Neoclassicism and the Rise of the Middle Class
The Classical Era in the 1700's was a time of great change with multiple political, economic, and cultural factors at play. Trade and travel was booming as a result of the Industrial Revolution. Intellectual and revolutionary events were taking place throughout Europe and America, leading to a shift in thinking and, by extension, representation in the arts. The Rococco style of art that marked the beginning of the era idealized and romanticized opulence, extravagance, and the wealthy aristocracy. With the revolutionary forces in play, the middle class gained economic and social power. As a result, people developed a disgust with the upper class and the style of art moved towards what we know now as Neoclassicism.
The former dominant Rococco style was regarded to be devoid of morals and a reflection of unnecessary excess. Artists began creating art for the growing middle class, representing scenes from everyday life, heroism, good deeds, self-sacrifices, and stories of Greek and Roman history. These works were intended to inspire intellect rather than represent the idealized bodies as in the previous era.
The Cupid Seller
Joseph-Marie Vien
1763
The Cupid Seller by Joseph-Marie Vien in 1763 depicts a modern day scene of a popular notion from ancient Roman literature - cupid sellers, which was all about capturing love. In Vien's painting above we can see the linear lines and symmetry that was representative of the Neoclassical style. There is a woman with blue draping fabric sitting in a chair while a woman (her mother, perhaps?) looks over her shoulder as they are looking at cupids for sale by the lady to our left. There are three baby cupids in the basket and it appears that the woman in blue is trying to decide which cupid to purchase. This work is representative of a scene from the every-day life of a middle class woman at the time.
Young Woman Drawing
Marie-Denise Villers
1801
Young Woman Drawing by Marie-Denise Villers in 1801 is a beautiful rendering of a female painter. The scene is simple and symmetrical with muted tones, typical of the Neoclassical style. She is our heroine, defying the social standards of the time as a female artist. Interestingly, this piece is rumored to be a self-portrait of Villers, sitting in a room at the Lourve with a broken pane of window behind her.
Virgil Writing His Epitaph at Brundisi
Angelica Kauffman
1785
In Virgil Writing his Epitaph at Brudisi, Kauffman uses symmetry, a somber setting, and muted colors typical of the Neoclassical style. Although little is known about the history of this painting, it appears to be a scene representing the final noble act of Virgil, who is writing his own epitaph. The others appear to be saddened by this act, but also seem to know it's necessary. Is it self-sacrifice? Heroism? Everyday life? It is hard to say, but, as is true of the style, it provokes thought.
References:
S.Zucker, B. Harris, ” Neoclassicism”. In Smart History. Khan Academy. 2010
http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/neo-classicism.html
Art History Reader:Neoclassical Art
https://www.sartle.com/blog/post/art-history-reader-neoclassical-art
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