1.2 Major Artistic Movements and Influences
5 min read•july 30, 2024
American art before 1865 was shaped by European styles and the quest for a unique national identity. , , and movements influenced American artists, while the sparked new themes and subjects in their work.
The American Revolution and growing nationalism fueled the development of a distinct artistic voice. The Hudson River School and celebrated American landscapes and everyday life, helping to define the nation's cultural character.
Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical Art
Characteristics and Contrasts
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- Baroque art (originated in Europe, late 16th century) characterized by dramatic lighting, intense emotions, and dynamic compositions
- American artists influenced by Baroque style include and
- Rococo art (emerged in France, early 18th century) known for its lighthearted, ornate, and elegant style
- Rococo influences evident in works of American painters like and John Wollaston
- Neoclassical art (gained popularity, mid-18th century) drew inspiration from classical art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome
- American artists and John Trumbull incorporated Neoclassical elements in their paintings, emphasizing order, symmetry, and moral virtue
- Baroque art characterized by dramatic and emotive qualities, while Rococo art is more playful and decorative
- Neoclassical art emphasizes rationality, order, and moral ideals in contrast to Baroque and Rococo styles
Reflection of Changing Climate
- Transition from Baroque to Rococo to Neoclassical styles in American art reflects changing social, political, and intellectual climate of 18th and early 19th centuries
- Shift from dramatic and emotive Baroque to lighthearted and decorative Rococo
- Rise of Neoclassicism coincides with Enlightenment ideals of reason, order, and morality
- Changing artistic styles mirror societal transformations and evolving cultural values
Enlightenment's Impact on American Art
Influence on Subject Matter and Themes
- Enlightenment (intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and progress) had significant impact on American art in 18th and early 19th centuries
- Enlightenment ideas, such as importance of education and pursuit of knowledge, influenced subject matter of American art
- Artists increasingly depicted scientific instruments, books, and other symbols of learning
- Enlightenment's emphasis on individualism and self-improvement encouraged development of portraiture in American art
- Exemplified by works of John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart
- Enlightenment thinkers' interest in classical antiquity contributed to rise of Neoclassicism in American art
- Artists drew inspiration from art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome
Expression of Enlightenment Ideals
- Enlightenment's ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy found expression in American art
- Particularly in works of artists who supported American Revolution and new republic, such as John Trumbull and Charles Willson Peale
- Artists used their works to promote Enlightenment values and celebrate the new nation's independence and democratic principles
- Trumbull's historical paintings () and Peale's portraits of revolutionary leaders (George Washington) exemplify this trend
- Enlightenment's influence on American art helped shape the nation's cultural identity and artistic heritage
American Artistic Identity
Colonial Period and Great Awakening
- Early colonial period American art heavily influenced by European styles and traditions
- Many artists trained in Europe or working in European manner
- Great Awakening (religious revival movement, 1730s and 1740s) contributed to development of distinct
- Influenced subject matter of American art, with increased focus on religious themes and moral instruction
- Paintings and engravings depicting religious scenes and figures became more common
Impact of American Revolution and Nationalism
- American Revolution and establishment of United States as independent nation fostered sense of national pride and desire for unique American cultural identity
- Reflected in art of late 18th and early 19th centuries
- Artists sought to create works that celebrated American values, landscapes, and everyday life
- Paintings depicting patriotic themes (Washington Crossing the Delaware) and portraits of national heroes became popular
- Development of distinctly American artistic style and subject matter helped define the nation's cultural identity
Hudson River School and Genre Painting
- Hudson River School (emerged mid-19th century) played significant role in development of distinctly American artistic style
- Artists such as and celebrated beauty and grandeur of American landscape
- Paintings of vast wilderness, dramatic vistas, and untamed became iconic representations of American art
- Rise of genre painting in early 19th century contributed to creation of uniquely American artistic identity
- Exemplified by works of artists like and
- Depicted everyday life and scenes specific to American experience, such as rural gatherings and frontier life
- Genre paintings offered glimpses into the lives of ordinary Americans and helped define the nation's cultural character
European Influence on American Art
Study Abroad and Grand Tour
- Many American artists in 18th and 19th centuries traveled to Europe to study and train
- Brought back styles and techniques learned abroad
- Grand Tour (traditional trip undertaken by wealthy Americans to Europe) exposed American artists to masterpieces of European art and architecture
- Influenced their own artistic practices and inspired them to incorporate European elements into their works
- Artists such as Benjamin West and John Singleton Copley spent extended periods in Europe, absorbing the continent's artistic traditions
Neoclassicism and Romanticism
- Neoclassical style (originated in Europe) had significant impact on American art in late 18th and early 19th centuries
- Artists such as John Singleton Copley and Benjamin West incorporated Neoclassical elements into their work
- Emphasis on classical forms, proportions, and subject matter derived from ancient Greek and Roman art
- Romantic movement (emphasized emotion, individualism, and the sublime) influenced American artists such as and Thomas Cole
- Sought to capture beauty and grandeur of American landscape through dramatic compositions and atmospheric effects
- Romantic ideals of nature's power and the individual's connection to the environment resonated with American artists
Düsseldorf and Barbizon Schools
- Düsseldorf School (group of German artists known for detailed, realistic landscapes) had notable influence on American landscape painters in mid-19th century
- Artists such as and studied at Düsseldorf Academy and incorporated the school's precise, detailed style into their depictions of American landscapes
- Düsseldorf influence contributed to the development of a more refined and technically skilled approach to landscape painting in America
- Barbizon School (group of French landscape painters who emphasized naturalism and plein-air painting) influenced American artists such as and
- Adapted Barbizon techniques to their depictions of American landscape, capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in a more naturalistic manner
- Barbizon influence helped to shift American landscape painting towards a more intimate and personal approach, focusing on the beauty of everyday scenes and the artist's emotional response to nature
Key Terms to Review (24)
Albert Bierstadt: Albert Bierstadt was a prominent American landscape painter known for his large-scale depictions of the American West, particularly the Rocky Mountains. His work is often associated with the Hudson River School, characterized by its romanticized and dramatic portrayals of nature, capturing the sublime beauty of the American wilderness and influencing the perception of the West during the 19th century.
American Identity: American identity refers to the shared values, beliefs, customs, and experiences that define what it means to be American. This concept is deeply influenced by historical events, cultural expressions, and artistic movements that reflect the evolving nature of the nation and its people. As artists and movements emerged throughout American history, they contributed significantly to shaping a unique identity that encompasses diversity, innovation, and a sense of belonging.
Baroque: Baroque is an artistic style that emerged in Europe during the late 16th century and flourished into the early 18th century, characterized by dramatic expressions, grandeur, and a sense of movement. This style was heavily influenced by the Catholic Church's desire to inspire awe and convey religious themes through art, which can be seen in various forms of colonial American art, especially in portraiture, as well as in the broader context of artistic movements that shaped the cultural landscape of early America.
Benjamin West: Benjamin West was an influential American painter who played a significant role in the development of early American art, particularly through his neoclassical style and historical themes. As one of the first artists to gain recognition in Europe, he served as a bridge between American art and European traditions, paving the way for future generations of American artists.
Charles Willson Peale: Charles Willson Peale was an influential American painter, naturalist, and museum founder known for his portraits of important figures and his contributions to the development of American art in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His work significantly shaped the field of portraiture and played a vital role in the rise of American identity in art.
Declaration of Independence: The Declaration of Independence is a historic document adopted on July 4, 1776, that proclaimed the thirteen American colonies' separation from British rule. It articulates the principles of individual liberty and the right to self-governance, establishing a foundational ideology for American democracy and influencing artistic movements that sought to capture these revolutionary ideals. This document also inspired a new genre of portraiture and history painting that celebrated American heroes and events related to the Revolution.
Enlightenment: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It sought to promote knowledge through science and philosophy, leading to advancements in various fields including politics, ethics, and the arts. This movement heavily influenced the development of artistic movements and the emergence of new ideas that transformed society.
Frederic Edwin Church: Frederic Edwin Church was a prominent American landscape painter known for his large-scale, dramatic depictions of nature and vivid use of color. As a key figure in the Hudson River School, he blended Romanticism with a keen observation of natural phenomena, showcasing both the beauty and grandeur of the American landscape.
Genre painting: Genre painting refers to a style of art that depicts scenes of everyday life, focusing on ordinary people engaged in common activities. This approach emphasizes the beauty and significance of the mundane, often serving as a medium for social commentary and reflection of contemporary society. It plays an important role in understanding cultural values, shifts in artistic movements, and transitions in thematic focus over time.
George Caleb Bingham: George Caleb Bingham was an American painter known for his depictions of life along the American frontier and the Mississippi River during the early to mid-19th century. His work captured the essence of American genre painting, showcasing everyday life and the people who inhabited these spaces, contributing significantly to the development of a distinctly American artistic identity.
George Inness: George Inness was an American landscape painter known for his significant contributions to the development of American art in the 19th century. He is often associated with the Hudson River School and later became a key figure in the Tonalist movement, which emphasized mood and atmosphere over realistic detail in landscape painting.
Gilbert Stuart: Gilbert Stuart was a prominent American painter known for his exceptional portraiture, particularly of the founding fathers, including George Washington. His innovative techniques and expressive style contributed to the evolution of American portrait painting, influencing future generations of artists and establishing him as a key figure in American art history.
John Singleton Copley: John Singleton Copley was an American painter active in the 18th century, best known for his portraits and historical scenes that reflect the social dynamics and cultural aspirations of colonial America. His work represents a significant development in the evolution of American art, particularly in portraiture, showcasing a blend of European influences while establishing a uniquely American identity.
Manifest destiny: Manifest destiny was the 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This belief significantly influenced various aspects of American culture, including art, as it reflected a sense of nationalism and the idea that the U.S. had a divine right to expand its territory.
Nature: In the context of American art before 1865, nature refers to the natural world, including landscapes, flora, and fauna, and is often depicted to express beauty, spirituality, and the sublime. This concept connects various artistic movements and cultural expressions, reflecting how artists interpret and represent their surroundings and their emotional responses to them.
Neoclassical: Neoclassical is an artistic movement that emerged in the mid-18th century, characterized by a revival of classical Greek and Roman styles, emphasizing order, symmetry, and idealized beauty. It sought to convey moral seriousness and civic virtue through art and architecture, reflecting Enlightenment ideals. Neoclassical artists often looked to ancient history for inspiration, creating works that were both grand and intellectual in nature.
Rococo: Rococo is an artistic and architectural style that emerged in France in the early 18th century, characterized by ornate detail, playful themes, and an emphasis on elegance and lightness. This style influenced various aspects of art, including painting and decorative arts, as it emphasized a sense of grace and fluidity that mirrored the changing social dynamics of the time.
The oxbow: The oxbow refers to a distinctive type of landscape painting that depicts a bend in a river, often symbolizing the contrast between the wild, untamed nature and cultivated landscapes. This visual metaphor highlights themes of American identity, nature's sublime beauty, and humanity's relationship with the environment, resonating through various artistic movements and expressions.
Thomas Cole: Thomas Cole was a 19th-century American painter known as the founder of the Hudson River School, a movement that celebrated the American landscape through Romanticism. His works reflect both a deep appreciation for nature and an awareness of the changing landscape due to industrialization, connecting themes of nationalism and spirituality with innovative artistic techniques.
Washington Allston: Washington Allston was an American painter and poet, known for his contributions to both the Neoclassical and Romantic movements in early American art. His works often explored themes of nature, emotion, and spirituality, making him a pivotal figure in the transition from traditional European styles to a distinctly American artistic identity. Allston's blending of these influences showcases his role as a bridge between different artistic movements and highlights his significance in American art history.
Westward expansion: Westward expansion refers to the 19th-century movement of settlers and immigrants into the western territories of the United States, driven by a belief in Manifest Destiny and the desire for land, resources, and economic opportunity. This significant migration not only influenced the nation’s geography but also shaped its cultural and artistic expressions.
William Morris Hunt: William Morris Hunt was a prominent American painter and a key figure in the 19th-century art scene, known for his role in the Hudson River School and the American Impressionism movement. His work is characterized by a blend of realism and impressionistic techniques, capturing the beauty of landscapes and human figures. Hunt's influence extended beyond his artwork, as he was also a teacher and mentor to many artists, helping to shape the direction of American art during his time.
William Sidney Mount: William Sidney Mount was an American genre painter known for his detailed depictions of rural life and social interactions in the early 19th century. His works often highlighted themes of everyday life, showcasing the culture and customs of his time through vibrant narratives and relatable characters, connecting deeply with the emerging genre painting movement in America.
Worthington Whittredge: Worthington Whittredge was a prominent American landscape painter known for his role in the Hudson River School movement, which celebrated the beauty of nature through realistic and romanticized representations. His work captures the lush scenery of the American landscape, emphasizing light and atmosphere while reflecting a deep appreciation for the natural world.