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.

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