5.3 British and French art from the 18th and 19th centuries
3 min read•july 24, 2024
British and French art evolved dramatically from the 18th to 19th centuries. Styles shifted from ornate to austere , then to emotional and detailed works. Each movement reflected changing cultural values and artistic priorities.
Satirical art flourished alongside these movements, with artists like Hogarth and Gillray using their work to critique society and politics. These pieces provided biting commentary on social issues, using humor and exaggeration to expose hypocrisy and corruption.
Evolution of 18th-19th Century Art
Evolution of British and French art
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- Rococo period flourished early-mid 18th century characterized by light, ornate, and playful style
- French artists exemplified movement (, )
- Emphasized pastel colors, curving forms, and mythological scenes
- Neoclassicism emerged mid-late 18th century reviving classical themes and styles
- 's influence shaped heroic, moralistic paintings
- Emphasized symmetry, clean lines, and historical subjects (Oath of the Horatii)
- Romanticism developed late 18th-early 19th century emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism
- 's landscape paintings captured dramatic atmospheric effects
- Explored themes of nature and human insignificance (The Slave Ship)
- Pre-Raphaelite movement arose mid-19th century returning to detailed, colorful compositions
- Works by featured medieval-inspired themes
- Emphasized naturalistic detail and vivid colors (Proserpine)
Commentary in British satirical art
- 's narrative painting series depicted moral decline
- illustrated a young man's descent into vice and madness
- critiqued arranged marriages among aristocracy
- Hogarth's work criticized social climbing and mocked arranged marriages
- Exposed hypocrisy and corruption in society
- Used sequential art to tell complex moral stories
- 's political caricatures skewered royalty and politicians
- Exaggerated physical features for comedic effect
- Commented on events like ()
- 's social satire caricatured everyday life and manners
- Depicted humorous scenes of urban and rural life
- Critiqued fashion excesses and social pretensions ()
Art and Society in the 18th-19th Centuries
Enlightenment influence on 18th-century art
- Salons and art exhibitions democratized art criticism
- Public spaces for viewing and discussing art
- Encouraged broader engagement with artistic debates
- 's art criticism influenced public opinion on art
- Published reviews of Salon exhibitions
- Developed new language for describing and evaluating art
- Historical painting emphasized moral and civic virtues
- Depicted classical and contemporary events
- Aimed to inspire noble sentiments in viewers ()
- Scientific themes in art reflected Enlightenment interests
- Joseph Wright of Derby's experiments with light showcased scientific curiosity
- Depicted scenes of scientific discovery and wonder ()
- Portraiture of rising middle class reflected social changes
- Joshua Reynolds' grand manner portraits elevated sitters' status
- Blended classical elements with contemporary fashion ()
Romantic visions of nature vs sublime
- 's English landscapes captured detailed, naturalistic depictions
- The Hay Wain exemplified quintessential rural English scene
- Used scientific observation of cloud formations and weather
- J.M.W. Turner's atmospheric paintings used light and color to convey emotion
- The Fighting Temeraire portrayed technological change through symbolic sunset
- Explored themes of human insignificance against nature's power
- Caspar David Friedrich's symbolic landscapes incorporated spiritual themes in nature
- became icon of Romanticism
- Used human figures to represent contemplation of nature's vastness
- Concept of the sublime in art explored awe-inspiring natural phenomena
- Depicted dramatic landscapes, stormy seas, and mountain vistas
- Evoked emotional responses of fear, wonder, and transcendence in viewers
Key Terms to Review (29)
A Rake's Progress: A Rake's Progress is a series of paintings and engravings by William Hogarth that depicts the moral decline of a young man who squanders his fortune on a life of vice and debauchery in 18th-century London. This narrative series highlights themes of temptation, consequence, and social commentary on the excesses of the upper classes during this period.
An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump: An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump is a painting by Joseph Wright of Derby created in 1768, depicting a scientific demonstration where a bird is placed in an air pump to illustrate the effects of air pressure. This artwork symbolizes the Enlightenment's fascination with science and discovery, showcasing the tension between rational thought and the emotional reactions of those witnessing the experiment. The painting also serves as a commentary on the moral implications of scientific experimentation during this period.
Art patronage: Art patronage refers to the support and funding provided by individuals or institutions to artists, enabling them to create works of art. This concept is crucial for understanding how art has been produced and disseminated throughout history, as it reflects the relationship between patrons and artists, the socio-economic conditions of different eras, and the cultural significance of art in society. The evolution of art patronage has significantly influenced the formation of major art collections and institutions, including national galleries and museums.
Charles Baudelaire: Charles Baudelaire was a French poet, essayist, and art critic, best known for his groundbreaking collection of poems, 'Les Fleurs du mal' ('The Flowers of Evil'). His work significantly influenced both British and French art in the 18th and 19th centuries by embracing themes of modernity, beauty, and the complexities of urban life, setting the stage for later movements like Symbolism and Modernism.
Dante Gabriel Rossetti: Dante Gabriel Rossetti was a British poet, illustrator, painter, and a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, known for his vivid and emotive works that challenged the conventions of Victorian art. His contributions significantly shaped the aesthetic movement in the 19th century, emphasizing a return to nature and the use of rich color palettes, which directly linked him to the broader trends in British and French art during that time.
Death of Socrates: The Death of Socrates refers to the execution of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates in 399 BC, who was sentenced to death by drinking poison hemlock for allegedly corrupting the youth of Athens and impiety. This event is significant in both philosophy and art, particularly in British and French art from the 18th and 19th centuries, as it embodies themes of moral courage, the pursuit of truth, and the tension between individual beliefs and societal norms.
Diderot: Denis Diderot was a prominent French philosopher, art critic, and writer in the 18th century, best known for his role as the co-founder and chief editor of the Encyclopédie, a groundbreaking work that aimed to compile and disseminate knowledge. His contributions significantly impacted the development of Enlightenment thought, particularly in the realms of art and philosophy, shaping cultural perceptions in both British and French contexts during this transformative period.
François Boucher: François Boucher was a prominent French painter and decorative artist of the 18th century, known for his vibrant and sensual works that often depicted themes from mythology, pastoral life, and the Rococo style. His unique approach combined elegance and playfulness, which made him a leading figure in French art during this period, greatly influencing both British and French artists alike.
French Revolution: The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799, which led to the end of absolute monarchy, the rise of democracy, and the establishment of a republic. It fundamentally changed the course of French history and had a profound impact on art, culture, and politics across Europe, inspiring various movements that sought to challenge traditional authority and promote individual rights.
J.m.w. turner: J.M.W. Turner was an influential British painter known for his revolutionary approach to landscape painting and use of color, which greatly impacted both British art and the Impressionist movement. His works often captured the sublime beauty of nature and the effects of light, transforming traditional landscape scenes into emotional experiences. Turner's innovative techniques, particularly in his later works, showcased a movement away from realistic representation towards an abstraction that emphasized mood and atmosphere.
Jacques-Louis David: Jacques-Louis David was a prominent French painter and a key figure in the Neoclassical movement, known for his historical and political themes that embodied the ideals of the French Revolution. His works are characterized by their dramatic compositions, clear lines, and emphasis on virtue and sacrifice, making him a vital artist in the landscape of 18th and 19th-century European art.
James Gillray: James Gillray was a British caricaturist and printmaker active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, known for his satirical depictions of political figures and events. His work played a significant role in shaping public opinion through humor and exaggeration, making him a pivotal figure in British art and social commentary during a time of great political turmoil, especially in relation to British and French relations.
Jean-Antoine Watteau: Jean-Antoine Watteau was a French painter known for his contributions to the Rococo style in the early 18th century, particularly through his depictions of fêtes galantes, which celebrated themes of love and leisure in idyllic settings. His work is characterized by its delicate color palette, fluid brushwork, and an emotional quality that evokes a sense of nostalgia and romance.
John Constable: John Constable was a prominent British painter known for his landscape paintings that capture the beauty of the English countryside. His works are characterized by their attention to natural light and atmosphere, which were innovative for his time and helped to bridge Romanticism and the emerging Impressionist movement. Constable's deep emotional connection to the landscape around him, particularly in Suffolk, makes his contributions essential to understanding both British and French art from the 18th and 19th centuries and key movements in British art history.
Marriage a-la-mode: Marriage a-la-mode is a series of paintings by the British artist William Hogarth created in the 18th century that satirize the institution of marriage and the social issues surrounding it. Through a narrative of a young couple's arranged marriage, Hogarth critiques the moral decay and materialism prevalent in society at the time, illustrating the conflicts between love, duty, and financial gain.
Neoclassicism: Neoclassicism is an artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century, characterized by a revival of classical themes and styles from ancient Greece and Rome. This movement sought to promote ideals such as simplicity, symmetry, and proportion, which were seen as a response to the excesses of the Baroque and Rococo styles. Neoclassicism played a significant role in British and French art during the 18th and 19th centuries, influencing architecture, sculpture, and painting with its emphasis on reason, morality, and civic virtue.
Plein air painting: Plein air painting refers to the act of painting outdoors, capturing the natural light and atmosphere of a scene directly from nature. This practice became particularly popular among artists in the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to significant developments in British and French art as it allowed for a more spontaneous and immediate expression of the artist's experience with their surroundings.
Portrait of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire: The Portrait of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire is a famous painting by Thomas Gainsborough, created in 1787, depicting the Duchess in an elegant blue dress with intricate details. This work is significant as it showcases the fashion and ideals of beauty during the late 18th century, while also highlighting the role of women in British society at the time, especially within the context of aristocracy and social status.
Pre-raphaelite: The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was an artistic movement founded in 1848 in England, characterized by a commitment to vivid colors, intricate detail, and an emphasis on nature and literature. This group of artists aimed to reject the conventions of the art established after Raphael, seeking inspiration from earlier artistic styles and themes, ultimately influencing British art during the 19th century.
Rococo: Rococo is an artistic and architectural style that emerged in France in the early 18th century, characterized by elaborate ornamentation, playful themes, and a sense of movement. This style is marked by its lightness, elegance, and an overall emphasis on asymmetry, often using soft colors and intricate patterns. Rococo art reflects the social dynamics of its time, particularly the rise of the aristocracy and the indulgent lifestyle associated with the French elite.
Romanticism: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century and flourished through the 19th century. It emphasized emotion, individualism, and nature, often as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the industrialization of society. This movement profoundly influenced British and French art, highlighting themes of the sublime and the beautiful, while also shaping the evolution of British painting styles and themes by incorporating new subject matters and emotional depth.
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is an annual open-submission exhibition held in London, showcasing contemporary art and architecture. Established in 1769, it has become one of the most prestigious and long-running exhibitions, reflecting the evolution of British and French art from the 18th to 19th centuries, featuring works from both established and emerging artists.
Salon de Paris: The Salon de Paris was an annual art exhibition held in Paris from the 17th century until the early 20th century, showcasing the works of both established and emerging artists. It played a pivotal role in the promotion and criticism of French art, serving as a platform for artists to gain recognition and for the public to engage with contemporary artistic trends. This event significantly influenced the art movements of the 18th and 19th centuries, shaping the careers of many prominent artists.
Sublime: The sublime refers to a quality of greatness or beauty that inspires awe or wonder, often evoking strong emotional responses. In the context of art from the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly British and French works, it represents a fascination with nature's vastness and power, as well as the feelings of terror and admiration that can arise from experiencing such magnificence.
The comforts of bath: The comforts of bath refers to the growing appreciation for leisure and the spa culture in Bath, England during the 18th and 19th centuries, highlighting the city's status as a social and health retreat. This movement was closely tied to the Romantic ideals of nature, wellness, and aesthetic beauty that were prevalent in British and French art during this period, which often depicted idyllic landscapes and leisurely pursuits.
The Plumb-Pudding in Danger: The Plumb-Pudding in Danger is a political cartoon by James Gillray, created in 1805, that satirizes the political landscape of Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars. The artwork features a representation of a plumb pudding being shared among the leading figures of Britain and France, symbolizing the struggle for power and control over Europe. This cartoon highlights the rivalry between the two nations while also showcasing the satirical art style prevalent in British culture at the time.
Thomas Rowlandson: Thomas Rowlandson was a prominent British caricaturist and painter known for his satirical artwork during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His works often depicted the social and political life of his time, providing a humorous yet critical lens on contemporary society, which connects closely to the trends in British and French art during this period that explored themes of satire, caricature, and commentary on the human condition.
Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog: Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog is a famous painting by German Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich, created in 1818. The artwork portrays a solitary figure standing on a rocky precipice, gazing out over a fog-covered landscape, which symbolizes the sublime nature of existence and the introspective journey of the individual. This piece exemplifies key themes of Romanticism, such as the exploration of nature, the individual's emotional response to their environment, and the contrast between humanity and the vastness of nature, linking it to broader artistic movements in British and French art during the 18th and 19th centuries.
William Hogarth: William Hogarth was an English painter, printmaker, and social critic known for his satirical and moralistic works in the 18th century. His art is significant for its narrative quality and social commentary, which highlights the complexities of British society during a time of great change, linking him to both British and French art movements of the period.