Bourgeois society

Definition

Bourgeois society refers to the social class that emerged in the late medieval and early modern periods, characterized by a rise in wealth, power, and cultural influence of the middle class, particularly merchants, industrialists, and professionals. This shift in social structure significantly impacted art and culture, especially in the context of domestic scenes and genre painting, where depictions of everyday life began to reflect the values and aspirations of this new societal group.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bourgeois society flourished in the 17th century in the Netherlands, leading to a demand for art that reflected the experiences and values of the middle class.
2. Dutch genre painting became a popular form of artistic expression, showcasing intimate domestic scenes that emphasized family life, leisure activities, and moral lessons.
3. The rise of bourgeois society contributed to the patronage of artists by wealthy merchants, who commissioned works that displayed their status and refined tastes.
4. Artworks often depicted themes of domesticity, morality, and daily routines, serving both as reflections of bourgeois aspirations and as commentary on societal values.
5. The decline of religious themes in art during this period is linked to the growing secularization and emphasis on individualism found within bourgeois society.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of bourgeois society influence the themes depicted in Dutch genre paintings?
  • The emergence of bourgeois society significantly influenced Dutch genre paintings by shifting the focus towards everyday life and domestic scenes. As the middle class gained wealth and prominence, artists began to portray intimate moments of family life and leisure activities, reflecting the values and aspirations of this social group. This resulted in a rich variety of works that celebrated ordinary experiences while also offering moral commentary on contemporary society.
• Analyze the relationship between bourgeois society and the patronage system in 17th-century Dutch art.
  • Bourgeois society played a crucial role in shaping the patronage system for 17th-century Dutch art. Wealthy merchants and members of the middle class became primary patrons of artists, commissioning works that showcased their status and cultural refinement. This shift from aristocratic patronage to a broader base of affluent individuals allowed for greater diversity in artistic themes, as artists responded to the tastes and interests of a new audience focused on domesticity and genre scenes.
• Evaluate how bourgeois society’s values are reflected in the visual characteristics and subject matter of Dutch genre paintings.
  • Bourgeois society's values are vividly reflected in Dutch genre paintings through their emphasis on realism, attention to detail, and portrayal of everyday life. These artworks often depict scenes that emphasize family unity, moral integrity, and domestic comfort—key aspects valued by the middle class. Additionally, the use of light and composition in these paintings highlights the beauty found in ordinary moments, reinforcing the importance of materialism and individualism inherent in bourgeois culture.

Related terms

Genre Painting: A style of painting that depicts scenes from everyday life, focusing on ordinary people and their activities rather than historical or religious subjects.

Middle Class: A social class between the upper and working classes, typically characterized by moderate income levels, educational attainment, and a focus on professional occupations.

Materialism: A focus on material possessions and physical comfort as a measure of success and happiness, often associated with bourgeois values.