Mary Ryan
Professor Gabak
4/24/11
Western Art and Architecture
In the 17th and 18th century, art and architecture was inspired by the
revival of classical subject matter. In Europe, the movement called
“neoclassicism” played a big role in this revival.
Neoclassicism began after 1765, as a reaction against both the
surviving Baroque and Rococo styles. The purpose of the Baroque style was
to impress visitors and express power and control that surpasses any other
society. The Rococo style went above and beyond anything that was
considered classic, as it had no sense of symmetry and was very ornate,
florid, and playful. The purpose of neoclassicism was to return to the
perceived "purity" of the arts of Rome.
Neoclassical panting’s are the complete opposite of anything hazy
with desaturated colors. Instead, the paintings are very sharp with bold
colors. Jacques-Louis David was a renowned painter during this revival. His
painting’s include The Lictors Bring to Brutus the Bodies of His Sons (1789)
and The Death of Marat (1793), and David's Oath of the Horatii (1784).
The Palladian style of architecture was vividly represented during this
time. Known the be “the best” Roman models, this type of architecture was
derived from the designs from Andrea Palladio. This style was strongly
based on symmetry, perspective, and values of the classic architecture of
Ancient Greeks and Romans. Tall columns that rise to full height of the
building, triangular pediments, and domed roofs can also be seen in this type
of architecture. Examples of this revived style from an exterior perspective
are the Woburn Abbey, and the Stourhead house.
Neoclassicism wasn’t only found in Europe, but it was also found in
France. French architects, such as Claude Nicholas Ledoux, constructed city
gates and pavilions to begin bringing a sense of Roman classicism to France.
Indeed, this form continued to gain popularity in France so much so that it is
believed that when Napoleon Bonaparte became emperor, he had an aching
desire to remake Paris to be designed to feature more intimidating Roman
imperial architecture. An example of this revival in France is the Barriere de
La Villette.
Art and architecture in the 17th and 18th century may not have been
considered “original”, though the revival of the art from Rome, and the
remaking of its purity and strength, made these centuries special in their own
way.