Major Art Styles of the 18th and 19th Centuries - Essay Example

In the late 18th century artists began to remove the fanciful trappings of Rococo and saw a return to a more formal style of painting referred to as Neoclassicism. In Jacques-Louis David's "Oath of the Horatii", we are presented with a more hardened subject with brighter colors and more contrast. Neoclassicism is typified by straight lines, confidence in the mechanical structure, and a willingness to elevate its subjects to the standards of high ideals. David's painting depicts classic subjects in conflict, yet posed in its portrayal of balance and symmetry that is indicative of the Neoclassic period.

Art from this period is often a reflection of allegiance to authority as mirrored from the society that produced it.The early 19th century was highlighted by the Romantic style of art. It embraced the notion of a relaxed state guided by feelings of romance and love. The "Entombment of Atala" painted by Girodet-Trioson, shows the more personal viewpoint of emotions as it appeals to our sense of love and tragedy. The romantic treatment given this painting shows in the artist's use of natural lighting on subjects that are struggling against their own helplessness.

As was often the case with Romantic period art, this painting calls to an authority that is veiled and elusive, not pronounced or highlighted. Romantic period paintings are often recognizable by their appeal to a more personal belief system that looks beyond the traditional structure for its conflict.The Rococo, Neoclassic, and Romantic styles were initiated as a revolt against the previous and prevailing style of painting. Yet, each style embodied characteristics carried over from previous works.

They were all rooted in the human form as the main subject and used this format to portray an opinion or outlook on current political and social events. All three styles were used to illustrate the searching for truth and reason that the society was engaged in. Though each style sometimes strayed into fantastic depictions of unreality, all were usually recognizable as a scene that could have taken place. The artists throughout these periods remained rooted in their efforts to portray the world as it might be or as they wish it would become.

Each period, because it was a rebellion against the previous period, was accented by a uniqueness that was individual to each. Where Rococo had curvy lines and mist colored lighting, this was rejected in later forms, which had a preference for harsher colors and more pronounced symmetry. They also each played to a different human emotional capacity. Rococo appealed to our sense of airiness, while the Neoclassic sparked feelings of a colder and stricter code of conduct. The Romantic period worked to appeal to a higher notion of emotions and appealed to our sense of intuition to guide the viewer into the meaning of the art.

The Romantic's revolt against the strict rules of the Neoclassical period, though a stark contrast, signaled a return to a more Rococo style.