Tracing the development of painting - Term Paper Example

? Tracing the development of painting The origin, growth and development of Art as an innovative medium of self expression is closely related to the development of human civilization. Within this context, the development of painting as one of the remarkable modes of self expression is relevant. The development of painting through different periods proves its importance within human civilization. One can easily identify that the visual characteristics, similarities and differences among painting styles makes each style unique to an extent. At the same time, the development of artistic styles among painting styles are related to each other in some way or other. Thesis statement: The chronological discussion of painting styles proves the difference in visual characteristics but with a number of similarities and are related to each other in some way or other. Painting styles: A chronological discussion Baroque: This painting style was originated around 1600s and influenced the following centuries. Besides, this form of painting style is rich and deep in color, and the intense usage of light and shadow. The exponents of Baroque style made use of the most exact moment or the dramatic point of events arouse emotionality in the minds of viewers. One of the best examples for Baroque as a painting style is The Deposition by Caravaggio (see appendix -1). Neoclassicism: Neoclassicism dominated the European art from 18th century to 19th century. Neoclassicism was basically a reaction against Rococo style in European Art. As a painting style, Neoclassicism gave due importance to Roman and Greek art. Its influence is not limited to the sphere of painting, but it extends to other forms of art like literature and architecture. One of the best examples for Neoclassicism as a painting style is The Death of Marat by Jacques-Louis David (see appendix -2). Realism: Realism originated in Europe, especially in France, in 1850s. Besides, it was a movement against Romanticism. Realism was totally against the emotionalism projected by Romanticism, and was in favor of the ideology of Objective Realism. So, truth and accuracy were the fundamental principles of Realism in painting. In short, realism gave due importance to realistic situations in day to day life. One of the best examples for Realism as a painting style is Sunset over poppies by Paula Romelia Susanu (see appendix -3). Impressionism: Impressionism originated in Paris, as an Art movement in 19th century. The name Impressionism is originated from Claude Monet’s art work, namely ‘Impression, Sunrise’. The usage of thin brushstrokes, perfect lighting, usage of ordinary subjects, and strange visual angles are some of its main characteristics. One of the best examples for Impressionism is The Abduction of Egypt by Shwidkiy Andrey (see appendix -4). Post-Impressionism: Post-Impressionism was developed in France during 1880s. Roger Fry, the renowned British Art critic was behind the creation of the term Post-Impressionism. Post-Impressionism was an extension of Impressionism, but rejected the limitations of Impressionism. The exponents of Post-Impressionism gave more importance to geometric forms. The usage of unnatural color in paintings is one of the most important features of Post-Impressionism. One of the best examples for Post-Impressionism is Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh (See appendix – 5). Cubism: Cubism transformed the scenario of painting in Europe and deeply influenced other forms of art like sculpture and music. The basic element of Cubism is to break down the object, analyze it, and to re- assemble the same. This helps the painter to present the art work with difference in subject matter. The usage of random angles is the most important aspect of cubism. One of the best examples for Cubism is Guernica by Pablo Picasso (see appendix-7). Geometric abstraction: Geometric abstraction is based on abstract art. Besides, it is based on non-objective and two dimensional models. It rejects exaggeration and illusionistic modes of painting and makes use of canvas as its supportive object. Some of the chief exponents of Geometric abstraction are Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian. One of the best examples for Geometric abstraction is Black Square by Kazimir Malevich (see appendix-7). Surrealism: Surrealism was basically a cultural movement, which originated in 1920s. Besides, Surrealism was best known for its visual art works and its contribution to literature. The concept of Surrealism was revolutionary because it included the elements of surprise and philosophical thought. Besides, Surrealism was rooted in Paris and its leader and chief exponent was Andre Breton. One of the best examples for Surrealism is Nest of butterfly by Gennady Privedentsev (see appendix-8). Visual characteristics, similarities and differences Visual characteristics: The visual characteristics of Baroque style include dramatic elements with actions that can be seen in day to day life. The visual characteristics of Neoclassicism include the importance given to classical themes and archeology. The most important visual characteristic of Realism is its acceptance towards truth or realism. Impressionism gave due importance to light and time. The most important visual characteristic of Post-Impressionism was unnatural color patterns and geometrical forms. Cubism is related to the visual ambiguity derived from broken objects. Geometric abstraction gave importance to two dimensional objects and geometric patterns. The most important visual characteristic of Surrealism was the revolutionary themes made use by the painters. Similarities: One can easily identify that Post-Impressionism, Cubism and Geometric Abstraction carries some similarities. For instance, all these painting styles are interconnected by the usage of geometric patterns. At the same time, Baroque and Realism are interconnected because both the painting styles are closely related to the themes related to human life and truth. On the other side, Impressionism and Surrealism are interconnected because both the painting styles made use of time element or revolutionary themes. Differences: The most important difference is that Neoclassicism is a separate style with its own peculiarities like the usage of classical themes and dependence upon archeology. Besides, most of the foretold painting styles are different in themes and usage of color. For instance, the Baroque painters gave more importance to color and texture. On the other side, Realism gave importance to realistic situations. Within the scenario of painting, Impressionism gave importance to visual angles. At the same time, Post-Impressionism was totally against Impressionism and its ideas in painting. In addition, Cubism was based on broken visual elements. On the other side, Geometric abstraction rejected exaggeration and accepted simplicity in painting. Surrealism was basically a cultural movement with some philosophical characteristics. In short, the foretold painting styles are with some unique visual characteristics, similarities and differences. The development of artistic styles among painting styles The development of artistic styles among painting styles proves that these painting styles are closely related to each other. Carrier (2008), opines that “Treating paintings as windows on the world, we compare what a picture depicts with what can be viewed looking through the window” (p. 112). For instance, the origin, growth and development of Baroque deeply influenced other painting styles. Neoclassicism influenced other artistic styles in Europe. Samson (1867), states that “There is a radical difference in the mental cast of nations which leads to most different styles in art, especially in coloring” (p.528). Realism discarded the artistic elements of Romanticism but accepted its basic elements. The development of Post-Impressionism can be considered as the extension of Impressionism and as a different artistic style. Cubism influenced Geometric Abstraction and Abstract Art. On the other side, Surrealism accepted all the revolutionary elements of other painting styles and developed itself into a unique artistic style. Preziosi (2009), opines that “Even in this realm of artistic styles, however, the introduction of better illusionistic devices could and did lead to tensions where rejection was as powerful a means of expression as was acceptance” (p.134). In short, the origin, growth and development of painting styles is interconnected and it paved the way for the development of innovative artistic styles. Summing, the chronological discussion proves the relation, similarities and differences among the painting styles. Besides, the discussion proves that all the painting styles carry some unique visual characteristics, similarities and differences. The development of painting styles through ages paved way for the development of different artistic styles. To be specific, almost all the painting styles accepted some elements from other styles and added the same to its core. In short, these painting styles are related to other forms of art because the ultimate aim is not to distract the viewers, but to entertain. References Carrier, D. (2008). A world art history and its objects. University Park, PA: Penn State Press. Samson, G.W. (1867). Elements of Art Criticism. Philadelphia, USA: J.B. Lippincott & Co. Preziosi, D. (2009). The art of art history: a critical anthology. New York, USA: Oxford University Press. Appendices Appendix 1 Baroque: The Deposition by Caravaggio Available at: http://www.bestpriceart.com/shop-online/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3201&update=true Appendix -2 Neoclassicism: The Death of Marat by Jacques-Louis David Available at: http://www.artsheaven.com/jacques-louis-david-the-death-of-marat.html Appendix -3 Realism: Sunset over poppies by Paula Romelia Susanu Available at: http://www.amsterdam-artgallery.com/paula_romelia_susanu/sunset_over_poppies.html Appendix -4 Impressionism: The Abduction of Egypt by Shwidkiy Andrey Available at: http://www.amsterdam-artgallery.com/shwidkiy_andrey/the_abduction_of_egypt.html Appendix – 5 Post-Impressionism: Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh Available at: http://www.vangoghgallery.com/painting/sunflowerindex.html Appendix – 6 Cubism: Guernica by Pablo Picasso Available at: http://orwell.ru/library/essays/wiw/guernica Appendix – 7 Geometric abstraction: Black Square by Kazimir Malevich Available at: http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/04/b2003/hm4_1_30_0.html Appendix -8 Surrealism: Nest of butterfly by Gennady Privedentsev Available at: http://www.amsterdam-artgallery.com/gennady_privedentsev/nest_of_butterfly.html Read More