Neoclassicism Art vs. Romanticism Art

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NEOCLASSICISM

The Enlightenment was a time of people and ideas that fostered innovative and evolutionary thinking. They advocated the rationality of the physical universe and it became the backbone by which customs and traditions of society were measured. One of the most momentous movements which originated from the Enlightenment is the art and architectural style of Neo-classicis; which originated as a response to Rococo in the 18th century. Its purpose was to revive Greco-Roman culture and an opposition to the flamboyant Baroque and Rocco art that proceeded. Western France, Europe and England were the countries that often embody Neo-classicism style for arts and architecture to express morality, idealism, patriotism and civic virtue. Neo-classicism recalled ancient republican values that implicitly criticized the “old regime” and was embraced by the French Revolution and Napoleon.There are several causes and events that led to the rise and acceptance of the Neo-classicism movement. Firstly, the archeological discoveries of the Roman cities and the published works of archaeologist Johann Joachin simultaneously fostered the rise of Neoclassicism. The popularity of Rome as a favored destination for artists and aristocratic tourists also contributed to the rise of Neoclassicism because paintings were being purchased and architects were being commissioned. Finally, the general reactionto the exorbitant styles of Baroque and Rococo convinced many that the monarchy, the Neo-classicism is a French art style that court, and the aristocracy were frivolous and decadent. Even religious structures built in the Neo-classicism style were transformed to tribute the Enlightenment and Revolution. Rocco Art was seen by many to be superficial and lacked the seriousness of ancient art and architecture. Neo-classical art was concerned with public life rather than depicting family life, daily routine, or the leisure activity favored by Rococo painters. Neo-classicism represented and accentuates rationality and the resurface of the idea of tradition. The movement composed of themes, topics and styles drawn from antiquity itself and from the Renaissance appeal to antiquity. Figures in Neoclassical paintings rarely suggest movement and often seem to stand still in a kind of tableau illustration. These paintings were didactic rather than emotional or playful. Many Neo-classical painters used scenes of heroism and self-sacrifice from ancient history to conclude on contemporary moral and political lessons. Other paintings formed a direct political criticism. The Oath of the Horati is a famous painting by Jacques Louis David and was painted to criticize the Roman political life while aiming to contrast ancient civic virtue with the luxurious aristocratic culture of contemporary France. The painting used many techniques such as: the men are all depicted with straight lines mirroring the columns in the background signifying their rigidity and strength while the women are all curved like the arches which are held up by the columns, the only emotion shown is from the women, who were allowed to feel, while it was for the men to do their duty with heroic determination, clear hard details and the lack of use of the more wispy brushstrokes and the use of dull colors is to show the importance of the story behind the painting over the painting itself.

Jacques-Louis David 1784

ROMANTICISM

Although classical style went well with Enlightenment rationalism because it represented it is calm certainty; it did not survive the French Revolution. Romanticism was a reaction against the Enlightenment in the 18th century. Unlike the Neo-classical,the Romantics liked art, literature and architecture of medieval times. For them, the Middle Ages represented social stability and religious reverence. This was a turning point in the history of Western Civilization as the Romantics reflected a new recognition that human beings were complex, emotional, and only sometimes rational creatures ina civilization that was becoming more and more scientific, materialistic, industrial, and urban, romanticism became a counter for the human experience. Jean-Jacques Rousseau provided the immediate foundations for Romanticism because they emphasized feeling, instinct, emotions, and love of nature. Romantics called for the liberation of human emotions and free expression of personality and challenged the Enlightenment emphasis on rationality, primarily as literary and artistic movement but also a movement in philosophy and political thought. The key characteristics of Romanticism are emotion, nature, the hero,nationalism, liberalism, exoticism, historicism, mystery, and romantic love. Romantic Revolution was lead by Eugene Delacroix Liberty Leading the People, where he used color to establish mood, colour, and dramatic lightning to emphasize emotional range, and he looked to the literary world for pictorial visions and inspiration. Along with unrestrained rich color, visible brushstrokes, and the use of diagonal compositions.

Delacroix Odalisque

CONCLUSION

It is apparent that as society changes, art changes and vice versa. Not only are these differences highlighted by pictorial dissimilarity but also in techniques. Neoclassicism inspiration comes from Classical Rome with values of order and solemnity including tones of calm and rationality with Greek and Roman history. In contrast, Romanticism inspiration stems from medieval eras with values of emotion and imagination including tones of spontaneity and non-conformist with legends, exotica, nature and violence.

War of the Sexes: Lysistrata
In the play Lysistrata, depictions of gender and sexuality are explored. The story demonstrates the different nature of women through the dialogue and their actions. Lysistrata was a comedic play that insinuated restrictions and limitations on women.