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Learning Guide in Arts 9: Neoclassic and Romantic Arts

I. LEARNING GUIDE IN ARTS 9: NEOCLASSIC AND ROMANTIC ARTS

III. NEOCLASSICAL ART

A. Definition

  • Etymology: Derived from the Greek word neos meaning “new”, and the Latin word classicus meaning “of the highest rank”.

  • Overview: Neoclassical art is a revival of classical Greek and Roman antiquity, marked by an emphasis on symmetry, simplicity, and clarity.

B. Characteristics of Neoclassical Art

  • Artworks are characterized by:

    • Symmetry

    • Simplicity

    • Clarity of form

    • Sober colors

    • Shallow space

    • Strong lines

  • Overall appearance of Neoclassical art is calm and clear, with restrained feelings yet complete expression.

  • Artists paid great attention to costumes, settings, and details of classical subject matter, ensuring historical accuracy without adding distracting details.

C. Historical Context

  • Neoclassical artists imitated Renaissance artists to enhance and improve the kind of art during the mid-eighteenth century.

  • Art reflects history and can portray what people valued, believed, or struggled with in eras.

D. Key Artists and Their Works

  1. Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825)

    • Considered the pre-eminent painter of the Neoclassical era.

    • Known for historical themes.

    • Influenced by militant intellectuals moving to overthrow the French monarchy.

    • Major Works:

      • Death of Marat: Depicts Jean-Paul Marat, a revolutionary martyr, post-murder.

      • Oath of the Horatii: Illustrates a Roman legend of a dispute.

      • Napoleon Crossing the Alps: An idealized representation of Napoleon’s crossing through the Alps.

      • Napoleon on the Imperial Throne: Shows Napoleon in coronation costume.

      • The Apotheosis of Homer: Symmetrical composition honoring Homer.

  2. Jean-Auguste Dominque Ingres (1780-1867)

    • Notable for combining religion, history, and Greek myths.

    • Major Works:

      • The Virgin Adoring the Host: A jewel-like devotional piece.

      • Focused on historical themes, emphasizing why recording history is important.

  3. Antonio Canova (1757-1822)

    • Renowned for marble sculptures that express mythological themes.

    • Major Works:

      • Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss: Sculpture representing the emotional and relational ties.

      • Venus Italica: A replacement for the ancient Medici Venus.

  4. Bertel Thorvaldsen (1789-1838)

    • Influential Danish artist in mythological and religious themes.

    • Major Works:

      • Christus Statue: Representation of the resurrected Christ.

      • Jason with the Golden Fleece: Represents mythological heroism.

IV. PHILIPPINE ART IN NEOCLASSICISM

  • Juan Luna's Spoliarium:

    • Refers to the basement of the Roman Colosseum.

    • Symbolizes colonial oppression through the depiction of fallen gladiators and allegory to Imperial Rome.

    • Won a gold medal at the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884.

    • Hang in the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila.

    • Discussion on relevance to contemporary realities.

V. DAY 12 OBJECTIVES

The learner is able to…

  1. Analyze art elements and principles in the production of work following a specific art style.

  2. Identify distinct characteristics of arts during the Romantic period.

  3. Identify representative artists from the Romantic period.

  4. Reflect on and derive the mood, idea, or message from selected artworks.

VI. ROMANTIC ART

A. Definition

  • Romantic art reflects colorful, emotional, personal, and expressive qualities.

  • Characterized by imagination, intuition, idealism, inspiration, and individuality.

B. Characteristics of Romantic Art

  • Themes include:

    • Longing for history

    • Supernatural elements

    • Social injustices

    • Nature

  • Romantic artists often created works that expressed intense feelings and were imaginative, often bearing a dreamlike quality.

C. Key Artists and Their Works

  1. Jean Louis Théodore Géricault (1791-1824)

    • First French master of the Romantic movement.

    • Major Works:

      • The Raft of Medusa: A representation of survivors of a shipwreck, pivotal in ushering the Romantic movement into French painting.

      • Insane Woman: Captures the mentally disabled with hypnotic effect.

      • Charging Chasseur: His first exhibited work showcasing movement and structure in art.

  2. Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863)

    • Greatest French Romantic painter, known for brilliant visual effects with contrasting colors.

    • Major Works:

      • Liberty Leading the People: Commemorates the July Revolution (1830) with a powerful depiction of liberty.

      • Christ on the Sea of Galilea: Presents Jesus calming the storm with an emphasis on calmness.

  3. Francisco Goya (1746-1828)

    • Influential figure in Spanish art, recognized as the last of the “Old Masters” and the first of the “Moderns.”

    • Major Works:

      • Saturn Devouring His Son: Depicts Greek myth about Cronus fearing being overthrown.

      • The Third of May: Commemorates Spanish resistance against Napoleon's forces.

VII. PHILIPPINE ART IN ROMANTICISM

  • Fernando Cueto Amorsolo:

    • National Artist renowned for portraits and rural landscapes.

    • Mastery of light, his works embody colorful and expressive qualities.

VIII. CONCLUSION

  • Artists from both Neoclassical and Romantic periods reflect commitment and passion in their works.

  • The legacy of these artists reminds us to live with kindness, compassion, and purpose in our actions.

  • May this inspire ongoing dedication in the pursuit of artistic and personal excellence.