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Neoclassicism • Neoclassicism became the leading art movement in France during the French Revolution and subsequently as the style of choice during the rule of dictator Napoleon Bonaparte. • Focused on the concepts of the French Revolution: “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.” • Patriotic andd somewhat anti-religious • Inspired by ancient Greece & Rome and the Renaissance. • Rejects the excess and frivolity of Baroque and Rococo – Neoclassicism is a reaction to these. • Also became popular in the United States as they were experiencing their own American Revolution based on similar principles. PREVIOUS / CONTEMPORARY ART MOVEMENTS THAT FELL OUT OF FAVOUR… Baroque Art in France: Rococo Art in France: • Mood: playful, energetic • Style: light, graceful, delicate • Colours: white, silver, gold, pinks, greens, blues • elegant, refined, rich, upper class • Mood: emotional, pompous, ornate • Style: dark, fancy, inspired by nature • religious, royalty, luxury, gold / silver Neoclassicism was a reaction to Baroque & Rococo… • Art used to convey Patriotism • Meant to be morally uplifting and inspirational • Strict use / copying of classical (Greek & Roman) architectural features: columns, domes, arches Values: order, solemnity Tone: calm and rational Subject: Greek & Roman history, mythology Techniques: drawing with lines (not colour), no trace of brushstrokes 25. Jacques-Louis David. Oath of the Horatii. (1784-1785) • worked for King Louis XVI, then French Revolution, then Napoleon • studied classical art in Rome • known for no visible brushstrokes • political message of unity and patriotism Other notable works by Jacques-Louis David… The First Consul crossed the Alps at the Col du Grand St. Bernard The Death of Marat Intervention of the Sabine Women The Coronation of Napoleon and Josephine 26. Dominique Ingres. Napoleon I on His Imperial Throne. (1806) • A student of J-L David’s • Known as a talented portraitist • Used by Napoleon, along with David and other artists, to create artistic propaganda for his rule • How are elements of ancient Greece and Rome used here to glorify and promote Napoleon’s authority? What is he trying to say? Other notable works by Dominique Ingres… Princess de Broglie Portrait of Bier Grande Odalisque 27. Antonio Canova. Paolina Borghese as Venus Victrix. (1805-1808) Marble. • portrait of Napoleon’s sister, when engaged to Camillo Borghese of Rome • Paolina is shown as Venus, Goddess of Love – ancient tradition of showing contemporary people as gods/goddesses • may be idealized female form or a realistic portrait (unknown) Other examples of NEOCLASSICAL SCULPTURE… Canova’s Cupid and Psyche Statue of Liberty 28. Thomas Jefferson. Monticello. (1770-1784) • American Revolution also happening at this time (similar to France) • Jefferson brought Neoclassical art / architecture of Paris back to the U.S. • architecture was returning back to balance and classical ideals – can you identify some of these features? Other examples of NEOCLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE… • Arc de Triomphe, Paris (left) • Brandenburg Gate, Berlin (right) • Pantheon, Paris (left) • The White House, Washington D.C. (right)