Romantic Art Movements

In 19th century France, the Neoclassical art style arose, influenced by the classical artistic style of Greco-Roman society. Around this time, France encountered many political, social and economic changes brought up mostly by the lower class French citizens. Jacques-Louis David was a highly influential Neoclassical artist during this time. Commissioned by both Nobles and lower class citizens of France, he created artworks such as the Oath of the Horatii (image 1), the Death of Marat (image 2), and Napoleon Crossing the Alps (image 3). David's art represented the ideas of thinkers of that time rather than just the ideals of that time. The purpose of David's art was to gain the support of French citizens through artistic propaganda in order

Since time immemorial, art has been an integral tool in influencing a society, pushing forth ideas, expressing the general atmosphere amongst the party’s involved and fighting vices in the society. Art is fundamental in the transformation of any society through its ability to influence opinions and values. Through sound, vision any other form that art may take, communications is enhanced. Visual art, Music and poetry have always been the most used.

Art helps royalty and rulers spread their ideas and lets their people know the power of the leader, ruler, etc.

French Romanticism developed relatively late because of Neoclassicism being rooted in French art and especially in the society’s structure. Eugène Delacroix’s painting Liberty Leading the People depicts the July Revolution of 1830. Parisian coup d'état resulted in Charles X dethroning and replacement with Louis-Phillipe, the “citizen-king.” Although the painting is historical, it is full of contrasting human emotion, a fundamental characteristic of French Romanticism. In the foreground despair is represented by human death of both sides of the battle. In the central figure, Liberty, an allegorical symbol of freedom, shows grand heroism. Delacroix’s use of brilliant and shocking primary colors opposes classicism’s use of color as subordinate and of subtle modulation. The Death of Sardanapalus by Eugène

Although often described as an opportunist because of the ways David made use of the political unrest with his paintings showing constant parallels with the successive regimes of the period. With works from “The Oath of The Horatii”, to later works such as “Bonaparte Crossing the St. Bernard Pass”, David in a way can be described as a social artist because many of his paintings documented and expressed the political and emotional feeling of the times.

Jacques-Louis David’s painting The Oath of the Horatii, though painted a few years before the actual French Revolution, sparked interests in the idea of giving your all. This included the lives of your family and reigning king, for the greater good of your nation. He expressed these ideas by choosing such a myth as the basis of this painting. The way the imagery screams loyalty, truth, and character; it also shows the dark traits he is revolting against, such as excess and dishonor.

Artists such as Jacques-Louis David’s Paris and Hellen clearly depicted the unstable times in France and the scandal that surrounded Marie-Antoinette and the French court. The question remains however is do we still know the political statement he was trying to make?

Two remarkable works from David can be used to explain the connection between philosophical ideas and the revolution. The first one is The death of Socrates, it used the scenario that Socrates had been convicted of corrupting the youth of Athens and introducing strange gods, and has been sentenced to die by drinking poison. The central of the painting is Socrates's image, half of his body is naked to be shown to the audience, the other half of the body is covered by white clothing which simplifies the greatness and purity of him in characteristics .This kind of composition makes him become the brightest part in the painting ,not only draws people's attention to Socrates, but also makes him a holy figure .We can see Socrates faces his death calmly, he uses his death as a final lesson for his pupils rather than fleeing when the opportunity arise. As unfolded revolutions and battles dragged on in France ,the sprint to scarify yourself for an ideal seems crucially necessary. Furthermore, according to David kind of personal sacrifice The other painting is the oath the Horatii , the father distribute the swords, while three brothers are going to fight for their city.It is believed that the swords symbolised the given power to fight ,however, it also could rouse French people's enthusiasm for their nation .David presents these episodes as

Napoleon was a key patron of arts who exploited arts as his strong news media, in other words: he spread out propaganda to create his heroic as well as divine image to his citizens. Jacques-Louis David’s ‘Napoleon Crossing the Alps’ is another example of similar work. Practically he never crossed Alps on horse with his people but, David’s portrait created a heroic image to his citizens. Citizens also started believing in him that a hero like Napoleon can only rule the devastated country after French revolution. David’s art of work communicated against the King Louis XVI and in contrast established Napoleon Bonaparte’s image to the estate

Art has changed significantly over the years, but three major events have enriched our society during the 18th and 19th century. The three major events are the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution; However, only one out of the three events have made the most impact. The French Revolution has made the most impact because the French Revolution is the straw that broke the camel ’s back, which in lead to the Enlightenment movement, and the Industrial revolution. During French Revolution, French Art begins to dominates the art world, and art goes from being just paintings and sculptures to an enhancing style.

The French painter Jacques-Louis David was one of the greatest painters of his time, leafing the charge into the neoclassical style of painting. This amazing man had an interesting and very full life. He also worked a great deal for Napoleon Bonaparte, painting numerous paintings for him and acquiring much wealth. Finally, he painted a huge number of paintings, still loved to this day. The influential French painter Jacques-Louis David had a very interesting life, worked for Napoleon Bonaparte, and has many famous paintings.

The piece of are that I am choosing to explain is the Liberty Leading the People painted by Eugène Delacroix in the year of 1830. In a whole picture it exemplifies large and deep expression. All the figures are in motion and there isn't any one just standing. In the Romantic period there was revolution in the Americas and in France and this is a painting of the French revolution. Some of the figures that are showing expression is the urchin right next to the woman representing liberty. He looks like he is running to keep up with Liberty and is swinging his arms. There is a commoner man on his all fours staring up at Liberty like he is either praising or realizing that his prayers have been answered to Liberty. Also the French Flag, each color

Art has more meaning behind it than just being a picture; it can function in society by symbolizing power. In this essay I am going to discuss in what ways art communicates power and help to manage nations and empires.

Before the 1800’s, Europe went through many trials of major events, both good and bad, that gave people new outlooks on the world and changed many of their lives. In particular, the way art was developed and appreciated changed dramatically in most part because of the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte. Soon enough art would become a way for people, (even those without high-level education) to express themselves. The new styles of architecture and visual arts that Napoleon introduced in France sparked new eras of art like Romanticism that he used to make himself popular; it caused Napoleon to be noticed, not just because of his military conquests, but also because of his artistic vision and innovation.

The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David is imposing in its dimensions. It stands at twenty feet by thirty feet and is displayed in the main gallery of the Louvre museum in Paris. David began this work of art after being orally commissioned by Napoleon in September of 1804. The painting came to its completion November of 1807. The sole fact that the painting took three years to complete demonstrates something about the magnitude and scale of the painting. This was all done on purpose of course in order to record this significant moment in the emperor’s life.