In this class, we discussed the change of ideologies during the enlightenment period, which brought to the art scene the world through the lens of logic and reason, reflecting the shifting landscape towards rationalistic approach to all aspects of life and arts during the 18th century. The two central themes discussed in this period were that of logic and morality. With this rise, the emergence of “The Grand Tour”, wherein privileged young men set off to travel around Europe as the final part of their education – here, we could see the focus on real experience and a set of unique and specific actions, both in terms of places to visit (and appreciate) and what knowledge to bring back from said experience.
In paintings of Anton Raphael Mengs, such as Parnassus, we observe a distinct change in composition (being incredibly centered and symmetrical) and approach to ideas, materialized by the usage of primary and secondary colors as the main tones of the piece, as opposed to the pale tones used in previous eras (Rococo or Baroque). In the logical and rational spirit of the Enlightenment, we see a shift from the painterly manner of painting to a more structured, simple, and linear manner of creating paintings. Contrastingly, however, in Thomas Gainsborough’s Portrait of Mrs. Richard Brinsley Sheridan, we sense a more relaxed approach to art, with the clear brushstrokes as well as the general integration of the human figure into nature. The fashion is interesting as well, a Grecian, toga-inspired garment that evoke a sense of serene freedom, while still maintaining a classic mood to the artpiece.
More than anything, we could observe most apparent the change in style from the Baroque era to the Neoclassical period through architecture, with the focus being shifted from an outward, ostentatious display of luxury and abundance to a more simple facade, covering a luxurious interior design. Additionally, in buildings like the Chiswick House, we see architects reverting to the simple and perfect geometric shapes, similarly incorporated in Classic buildings. These elements of exterior/ interior differences can be seen in Robert Adam’s Kenwood House, with a twist being the color palette that very much reminds one of the Rococo era. Many of these classical elements are given a slight modification that reflects the influence of the previous eras on the time. In general, Neoclassicism reflects the time when artists, along with intellectuals, embrace the rational order which is very much expressed through the reference and appreciation of the antiquity.