Art in the 18th Century

María Paula Reyes, 11B
September 18th, 2010
English Literature
ART IN THE 18th CENTURY
The 18th century was a period of changes which took place most notoriously in Europe.   It was the period of transformation for various areas of study, such as language, politics, literature, and art.   In the following paragraphs, information about the spread and transformation of art will be found.
Art in the 18th century built on and exaggerated the tendencies of earlier periods. It became more refined, more delicate, more sensuous, more intellectual, more emotional, and more secular. Throughout most of the century, art is characterized by an artifice that marks it and its creators as urbane, sophisticated, and educated.        
Various artistic movements took place during the 18th century. For example, rococo style. This style was created in order to satisfy the German and French nobility who demanded high quality and new sophisticated designs, and was characterized by the use of pastel colors, gracefully delicate curving forms, fanciful figures, and a lighthearted mood. It could be said that it was the visual representation of the optimism people felt in response to new ideas about human existence.
Nevertheless, around 1770 when the French Revolution began, Rococo was replaced by a new artistic era which began gaining popularity throughout Europe: Neoclassicism. This new era was characterized by its order, logic, clarity, and to an extent, realism. It focused on the revival of classical art and the rediscovery of Greek and Roman roots. In fact, based on the art and architecture of classical Greece and Rome, Neoclassical artists were favored by the French Revolution and by Napoleon who attempted to bring all of Europe under his rule.
Although neoclassicism can be seen all over Europe it was experienced most in England and France through art and architecture. For instance, France is considered the cultural capital of 18th century Europe, and a witness of the last...