Our next period we discussed and centered our class around the Neoclassic period and Neoclassicism. Beginning by touching on the importance of the enlightenment for the world of art at the time, specifically the importance of these works finding reason and logic through ideals and ways of life. Our class talked about the importance of the Grand Tour, an event in history representing young individuals who were of upper class statues and traveled across the world to study politics and philosophy within other countries and studying people in varying countries. Each of these people and communities held different values, beliefs, and rights.
We continued class and Neoclassicism by focusing on the architectural geometric details of the Chiswick House and the Kenwood House Library. We began to see common themes and elements through Neoclassicm, such as idealized, simple form, symmetry, heroism, and a nod to historical works, ultimately drawing inspiration for many artists at the time. Toward the end of class, we focused on Jacques-Louis David’s The Oath of the Horatii and Michelangelo’s Pietà. The Oath of the Horatii displays an oil on canvas, resembling Jacques-Louis David. The moral of the painting shows decision-making, all through the rivalry between Alban versus Roman societies. Each of these works present similar, dark, primary colors and the human figure in a dramatic, intense form.