Classical Era Exhibit
Morality and the Art of the Classical Era
"Mischief and Repose" By John William Waterhouse
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Image Source"The Birth of Venus" By Alexandre CabanelCabanel's masterpiece made in France in 1863 is characterized by its idealized beauty and meticulous attention to detail. The soft, delicate features of Venus, combined with the harmonious composition and vibrant colors, create an ethereal quality that elevates her to divine status. The Nudity of Venus is portrayed with grace, emphasizing themes of love and purity while also inviting contemplation of moral virtue. The background features a serene seascape, which further enhances the romantic and idealized nature of the subject. This portrayal of beauty not only celebrates aesthetic pleasure but also serves as a moral lesson about the power of love and the virtues associated with it, reflecting the classical belief in the transformative qualities of beauty. |
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Image Source"Oath of the Horattii" By Jacques-Louis DavidThis iconic neoclassical painting created in France in 1784 is marked by its dramatic composition and strong use of diagonal lines, which create a sense of movement and urgency. The figures are depicted with muscular forms and stoic expressions, emphasizing themes of strength, duty, and sacrifice. The stark contrast between the dark background and the illuminated figures draws attention to their solemn oath, underscoring the moral imperative of loyalty to family and country. David's use of color and light highlights the intensity of the moment, while the architectural elements in the background evoke the grandeur of ancient Rome, reinforcing the connection to classical ideals. This powerful expression serves as a moral lesson about the importance of civic duty and the personal sacrifices required for the greater good, encapsulating the values celebrated in neoclassical art. |
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In examining the relationship between morality and art during the classical era, it becomes clear that neoclassical artists sought to reflect and shape societal values through their works. Two valuable sources I found on the neoclassical era are The Art Story and Neoclassical Art Written by David Irwin. The Art Story provides a comprehensive overview of the neoclassical movement, detailing its historical context, key artists, and thematic concerns. It highlights how neoclassical art draws inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman ideals. In contrast "Neoclassical Art" by David Irwin delves deeper into specific works and their moral implications. Irwin analyzes how neoclassical artists used composition, color, and symbolism to convey ethical messages and engage viewers in moral discourse. His insights provide a richer understanding of the era.
Works Cited
artincontext. “Famous Neoclassical Paintings - Looking at the Best Neoclassical Style Art.” Artincontext.org, 30 Oct. 2021, artincontext.org/famous-neoclassical-paintings/.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “The Birth of Venus.” Metmuseum.org, 2020, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/435831.
Wikipedia Contributors. “Oath of the Horatii.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Nov. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_the_Horatii.
The Art Story. “Neoclassicism Movement Overview.” The Art Story, 2018, www.theartstory.org/movement/neoclassicism/.
Irwin , David . “Classicism and Neoclassicism .” Encyclopædia Britannica, 29 May 2018, www.britannica.com/art/Neoclassicism.
I personally found your blog's exploration of each work well thought out and connected how they convey deep, ethical lessons through symbolism and composition written nicely. What appeals to me most in your blog is how the paintings go beyond just aesthetics and spark reflections, like the contrast of innocence and temptation in Mischief and Repose. I like how your blog connects these works to moral themes, which shows how art both reflects and shapes societal values. That said, I would love to see a deeper dive into how gender roles or even political propaganda influence the messages in these paintings. I think this would make your discussion more rich, as it would show that morality in art isn’t always black and white.
ReplyDeleteI really love some of the styles on display here, but noted pretty immediately that 'Morality' wasn't something that came to mind upon viewing the first two pieces you shared. This made more sense as I realized they're fairly late for the time period in question, both being academic pieces of the 18th century as opposed to works created more firmly within neoclassicism like David's Oath of the Horattii that you featured last. I understand the appeal-- both The Birth of Venus and Mischief and Repose feel ethereal in their beauty, but that's also nearly the extent of what they offer; neither thrusts the morality of sacrifice, heroism, loyalty, duty, or patriotism at the viewer the way David does-- and they weren't meant to. Oath of the Horattii is the very idea of 'Morality and the Art of the Classical Era' wrapped into a single piece, so it's a little disappointing that it's the only fitting one shown here.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, and I especially love the pieces you included. You make a compelling argument, though something I would've loved to see is more details on why the first two pieces were morally compelling. For example, when I look at Mischief and Repose, I see the intimacy within the scene. The young woman on the left lies vulnerable and comfortable, while the other seems to be playing with her hair with a stick. I suppose her action could be read as "mischief", but I see it as something more domestic, a mutual bonding of trust and safety. I also love the soft but vibrant colors. The warmth in the hair and skin is beautiful, but the more desaturated and cooler tones make the image feel colder. It's such a gorgeous painting, and I'd personally love to hear more about how that ties into morals. The same with the birth of Venus. I see her beauty but again, I'd love to hear more on how it discusses morality! As others have commented, the Oath of Horatti is the strongest in its discussion of morality and the classical and neoclassical eras. It's perfect, even. It's strong, heroic, and holds up the views of sacrifice and loyalty. I think what would've strengthened your blog is to discuss the contrast in what their focus is and how that drives artists at the time, rather than try to compliment their morality! The gap is a bit too big to be compared to begin with. Other than that, I enjoyed your blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat I find appealing is that you are able to connect three very different looking paintings. They were all a great choice of paintings. I do not think there is something I cannot not find unappealing because I could easily read. If I am right, I believe that the three morals connected to each one is that to each of their own know that it is right to depend on each other. Something fun to remember is that your art has created much artist motivation since the 17-1800s. Great choices of art, I am so happy that I got to see these pieces.
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