French Art Periods to Know for AP French

French art has evolved through distinct periods, each showcasing unique styles and themes. From the soaring Gothic cathedrals to the vibrant colors of Impressionism, these movements reflect cultural shifts and artistic innovation, enriching our understanding of French history and identity.

1. Gothic (12th-16th centuries)

   • Characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
   • Emphasis on verticality and light, often seen in cathedrals like Notre-Dame.
   • Notable for intricate stained glass windows and detailed sculptures.

2. Renaissance (14th-17th centuries)

   • Marked a revival of classical learning and humanism.
   • Focused on realism, perspective, and the study of anatomy in art.
   • Key figures include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

3. Baroque (17th-18th centuries)

   • Known for dramatic use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) and intense emotions.
   • Art often depicted grandiose themes, movement, and theatricality.
   • Prominent artists include Caravaggio, Peter Paul Rubens, and Rembrandt.

4. Rococo (18th century)

   • Characterized by ornate decoration, playful themes, and light colors.
   • Focused on themes of love, nature, and frivolity, often in domestic settings.
   • Notable artists include Antoine Watteau and François Boucher.

5. Neoclassicism (18th-19th centuries)

   • Inspired by classical antiquity, emphasizing simplicity and symmetry.
   • Focused on moral themes and heroic subjects, often in history painting.
   • Key figures include Jacques-Louis David and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.

6. Romanticism (19th century)

   • Emphasized emotion, individualism, and the sublime in nature.
   • Often depicted dramatic scenes, historical events, and exotic subjects.
   • Notable artists include Eugène Delacroix and Caspar David Friedrich.

7. Realism (19th century)

   • Focused on depicting everyday life and ordinary people without idealization.
   • Aimed to represent social issues and the struggles of the working class.
   • Key figures include Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet.

8. Impressionism (late 19th century)

   • Characterized by loose brushwork and an emphasis on light and color.
   • Focused on capturing fleeting moments and the effects of natural light.
   • Prominent artists include Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas.

9. Post-Impressionism (late 19th-early 20th centuries)

   • Expanded on Impressionism with a focus on structure, form, and emotional depth.
   • Artists experimented with color and brushwork to convey personal expression.
   • Key figures include Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Georges Seurat.

10. Art Nouveau (late 19th-early 20th centuries)

• Characterized by organic forms, flowing lines, and intricate decorative elements.
• Emphasized harmony between art and nature, often in architecture and design.
• Notable artists include Alphonse Mucha and Gustav Klimt.