AH notes 3/4/25

Culture and Discourse (1750s and beyond)

• Overlapping cultural movements and criticism emerged around the 18th century.

  • Writers began labeling these movements, giving rise to numerous "isms."

  • Key movements include:

    • Neoclassicism: Emphasized classical ideals and art forms.

    • Romanticism: A cultural movement that explores the unknown and emotional aspects beyond reason.

Romanticism

• Definition: A movement concerned with the experience of the unknowable aspects of existence, passions, and nature's vastness.

  • Not about romantic love: Differs from the Rococo movement which focuses more on romantic themes.

• Reaction to the Enlightenment:

  • Enlightenment emphasized reason, while Romanticism embraces emotions and the irrational aspects of life.

  • Explores themes like:

    • Anger

    • Cruelty

    • Nature's vast power

    • The mind-boggling scale of the universe.

Art Illustrating Romanticism

• The Air Pump (1768):

  • Painting by Joseph Wright of Derby: Featuring a scientist experimenting on a bird in a glass chamber.

    • The tension and ethical implications of life and death are central to the scene.

    • Various reactions from onlookers indicate humanity's diverse responses to such power.

Psychological Reactions in Art

• Analysis of character reactions in The Air Pump:

  • Young couple distracted by romance.

  • Fascinated child vs. contemplative old man:

    • Represents ages and perspectives on life and death issues.

  • Depicts a broad spectrum of psychological engagement with the painting and theme.

The Nightmare by Fuseli (1781)

• Represents themes of fear and psychological turmoil.

  • Notable elements:

    • The incubus: A male demon that symbolizes fear and sexuality.

    • Figure's expressions evoke the experience of sleep paralysis.

• Controversial when unveiled, drawing both critical acclaim and criticism for style and theme.

Sublime in Romanticism

• Concept related to the awe-inspiring aspects of nature—overpowering and intimidating.

  • Illustrations include nature's vastness and chaotic forces, challenging the notion of humanity's control.

  • Inspired the idea that nature can be both beautiful and terrifying.

Caspar David Friedrich's Nature Paintings (1818)

• Emphasizes the individual's contemplation of nature's vastness and mystery.

  • The romantic interpretation of nature contrasts with idyllic pastoral views.

  • Captures the feeling of awe and philosophical reflection on the sublime.

Turner's Contributions to Romantic Painting

• Turner’s works often reflect historical contexts and societal changes:

  • The Fighting Temeraire (1838):

    • Symbolizes the passing of an era and the transition from sail to steam power.

    • Incorporates themes of nostalgia and the acceptance of change.

  • The Slave Ship (1840):

    • A significant anti-slavery work, capturing the horrors of slavery amid the sublime fury of nature.

Frederick Edwin Church and the Hudson River School

• Ambitious natural landscapes focusing on the beauty and majesty of nature:

  • Famous work depicting Mount Chimborazo, combining various studies into one grand composition.

  • Reflection of the American experience with nature and its cultural significance.

Eugene Delacroix's Work and Controversies

• The Death of Sardanapalus (1827):

  • Captures the chaos and cruelty of war and the mistakes of power.

  • Challenges audience with its stark portrayal of violence, sexuality, and madness.

  • Controversial due to its execution style and dark themes, emblematic of Romantic ideals.