Art of Europe and America (1700–1865): Rococo to Romanticism Notes

Art of Europe and America (1700–1865): Rococo to Romanticism

  • Social and Political Context:

    • The 18th and 19th centuries in Europe were marked by growing concerns about social equality.
    • There was a shift in power away from the wealthy elite and towards the burgeoning middle class.
    • Resentment grew against monarchs who imposed their will on their own people and their colonies.
    • This era is often referred to as the Age of Revolutions, commencing with the American Declaration of Independence in 1776.
    • France experienced three revolutions (1789, 1830, 1848) advocating for government by and for the people and equality for the lower classes, which inspired similar movements elsewhere in Europe.

  • Industrial Revolution:

    • The Industrial Revolution, driven by technological advancements, originated in Britain and expanded across Europe.
    • This led to a transition from agrarian societies to more urbanized centers.
    • New employment opportunities emerged for a significant portion of the population.

  • Technological Advancements:

    • The development of the telegraph in the 1830s facilitated faster communication.
    • The invention of the steam engine in 1869 resulted in the expansion of railroads, enabling more people to travel greater distances more quickly.
    • These advancements increased awareness of the wider world.

  • Influence of Other Cultures:

    • Due to factors such as colonization and trade, Western art was influenced by cultures outside of Europe and America.

  • The Enlightenment:

    • This period was also known as the Enlightenment or the Age of Reason.
    • Enlightenment thinkers championed reason over faith.
    • They advocated for liberty over oppressive governmental systems.
    • They argued for equal rights for all people.

  • John Locke and Empiricism:

    • The English philosopher John Locke promoted empiricism: the idea that humans are born with minds like blank slates.
    • These blank slates are shaped by experiences rather than pre-existing knowledge.
    • This concept had profound effects, particularly on education and the influence of social experiences on individuals.

  • Artistic Reflection:

    • Artworks of this era both reflected and promoted contemporary changes in economics, politics, and personal expression.

  • Overlapping Styles:

    • Art historians have identified stylistic trends, but it's crucial to recognize that these styles often overlapped chronologically.
    • Artworks might exhibit qualities of multiple styles or resist easy categorization.
    • This complexity mirrored the rich exchange of ideas during the 18th and early 19th centuries.