In the eighteenth century, two very important styles of art developed. During the first part of the century, Enlightenment philosophy arose. The Enlightenment Era was a movement that focused on the intellectual and philosophical ideas in Europe. Artists from this era include; Joseph Wright and Alexander Roslin. In the latter part of the century, Neoclassicism was developed and sparked interests in several artists. The Neoclassicism Era is the name given to a movement in visual art, literature, and architecture that draws the inspiration from “classical” art. This movement was very popular and led to an ongoing architectural investigation. Artists from this era include; Jacques-Louis David, Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, and Antonio Canova (who was famous for his marble sculptures). During these two movements a French artist, named Jean-Baptiste Greuze, decided to take both the styles from the Enlightenment and the Neoclassical period and combine them, using both styles in his painting.
The following paintings are from several artists during the18th century, specifically from the Enlightenment and Neoclassical period, one will be a marble sculpture). Two of the paintings are from Greuze’s collection that uses the styles found in both periods.
Portrait of a Woman, Joseph Wright (Wright of Derby), 1770, Oil on canvas, 1986.264.6
The artist of this painting is Joseph Wright of Derby. He was a British painter who worked almost entirely outside of London during the Enlightenment Period. The Portrait of a Woman was painted during the high of Joseph’s career. The figure of the young woman sits in the middle of the painting, wearing an elegant dress that can signify wealth. She has her arm resting on a table with a silk cloth next to her. This painting makes us think of wealth, elegance, and knowledge.
The Death of Socrates, Jacques Louis David, 1787, Oil on canvas, 31.45
“The greatest effort of art since the Sistine Chapel and the stance of Rapheal” This painting is said to be one of Jacques Louis David most perfect example of Neoclassical style. Jacques Louis David painted The Death of Socrates to portray the story of how Socrates was executed. The philosopher Socrates was executes by the Athenian courts for the crime of impiety. The philosopher willingly died because he refused to abandoned his beliefs towards the gods.
Odalisque in Grisaille, Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, 1824–34, Oil on canvas, 38.65
This painting is Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, simplified reproduction of the Grande Odalisque. Because it is in shades of gray, it establishes a variety of tones. Although this painting is of the Neoclassical style, it is indicating the artists shift towards exotic Romanticism. What makes this fall under the category of Neoclassical art is because it contains a lot of simplicity and symmetry. The long arm provides a line that causes our eyes to slowly look down the figures elegant body.
Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Antonio Canova, 1804–6, Marble, 67.110.1
This is a marble statue that shows the Greek demigod Perseus holding the head of Medusa. Antonio Canova made this statue twice. The first version of this statue is in the Vatican Museum an is known as Perseus Triumphant. What makes this Neoclassic art is because it has been inspired by old Roman and Greek art and focuses on simplicity and symmetry. The sculptures do not show much emotion and are more realistic compared to the baroque style.
Broken Eggs, Jean-Baptiste Greuze, 1756, Oil on canvas, 20.155.8
A distressed and embarrassed young woman sits at the lower left and is hovered over by two figures as she looks down at a woven basket surrounded by broken eggs. The young woman in the painting has a noble pose that is worthy go a history painter. This is a painting that is made up of both styles and contains important symbolism. Jean-Baptiste Greuze uses the eggs as a symbol of the young woman’s loss of virginity. The light in this painting plays an important role. In the painting the young woman is surrounded by the light glow and is also dressed in white, causing our eyes to focus mainly on her and her expression.
Aegina Visited by Jupiter, Jean-Baptiste Greuze, 1767–69, Oil on canvas, 1970.295
This is an unfinished painting by Jean-Baptiste Greuze. It is believed that this painting was going to be a piece of the French Royal Academy. However, because there is a nude figure, the Academy did not allow the painting at the reception. This painting is an example both Enlightenment and Neoclassicism styles. The inspiration behind this photo is Rembrandt’s Danae which include a nude figure laying in the same position on a bed with an older woman in the background.
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