Art Unit 5 W
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Neoclassicism and Romanticism during the French Revolution
Department of Humanities, University of the People
AHIST 1401: Art History
Dr. Julie Lawrence
July 20, 2022
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Introduction
In this paper, I will explain how the French Revolution impacted
Neoclassicism and Romanticism. Then I will summarize my findings in a
conclusion.
Neoclassicism during the French Revolution
Neoclassicism played a big role in the French Revolution, as one of the
most popular artists,
Jacques-Louis David
, supported the political movement.
After the royal family was taken, he even became part of the new
parliament. David was also an open admirer of Napoleon, of whom he
painted many battle scenes.
Partly because of his big influence on art as well as politics,
Neoclassicism became the main art style of France and its influential people
(About France, n.d.).. Another big part of the connection between
Neoclassicism and the French Revolution plays the Enlightenment, which was
the time of scientific change and the people rethinking traditions.
Enlightenment was the attempt to teach society right from wrong, which
plays a big role in the overthrowing of the monarchy (Khan Academy, n.d.).
The example I chose for Neoclassicism is a painting by Jacques-Louis
David called "Napoleon crossing the Alps." It shows the Emperor on his
horse, a battlefield in the background. Napoleon Bonaparte looks ready for
battle, as he points onward and looks at the beholder as if to lead us. I think
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paintings like these were 18th-century propaganda, as Napoleon wanted
people to follow him.
This painting was made in 1802, two years before his
reign began (History, 2019).
Romanticism during the French Revolution
Romanticism was more applied to literature and music prior to
Napoleon's defeat. The revolution in both Europe and America influenced lots
of those works. After the disaster at Waterloo in 1815, Romanticism started
establishing itself as a painting style. From the 1820s until the 1850s,
Neoclassicism and Romanticism were two competing styles, whereas
Romanticism was practiced by so-called innovators. Their counterparts were
the established, classical artists and their supporters (McCoy, n.d.).
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