ART DURING THE ENLIGHTENMENT

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• The influence of the Enlightenment made the 18th century a period of great cultural change. - In Europe, Enlightenment ideas were spread through primary schools and SCHOOLS FOR THE APLIED ARTS. - Art became more than a decorative element for palaces. New MUSEUMS enabled ordinary people to enjoy it as well. - Two distinctive new styles emerged: ROCOCO and NEOCLASSICISM.

1. ROCOCO 1730s and 1760s

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   • It reflected the aesthetic tastes of the nobility, who wanted homes and decorations that represented the joys of life. (Illustration: Rinaldo and Armida, by François Boucher, 1734).
   1. ARCHITECTURE

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      • Rococo interiors were elaborately decorated, especially with curves, seashells and floral elements. In French, these decorative motifs are called 'rocaille', and this is the origin of the name 'Rococo'. A number of luxurious palaces were built in this style. (Illustration, Hôtel de Soubise in Paris).
   2. SCULPTURE

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      • Rococo sculptures were often small, and represented joyful and mythological themes. (Illustration: Cupid, by Edmé Bouchardon, 1746).
   3. PAINTING

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      • Pastel colours were used to depict mythological themes, rural festivals and domestic scenes. The most important Rococo painters were Boucher (see 'Rinaldo and Armida' above) and Fragonard. (Illustration: Young girl reading, by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, c.1770).
2. NEOCLASSICISM 1760s - 1830s

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   • Neoclassicism is an artistic style that was popular in Europe between the 1760s and the 1830s. It imitated classical art and reflected the aesthetic tastes of Enlightenment thinkers and the middle class.Both groups rejected the leisurely style of the nobility and Rococo's excessive, elaborate decoration. In contrast, Neoclassicism reflected the ideas of order and moral correctness. Enlightenment monarchs remodelled their cities in order to modernise and beautify them, as well as to improve their subjects' quality of life. With these goals in mind, new boulevards and public squares were built. In addition, fountains, sewage systems and street lights were installed. (Illustration: 'Psyche revived by Cupid's kiss', by  Antonio Canova; see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psyche_Revived_by_Cupid%27s_Kiss).
   1. ARCHITECTURE

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      • Buildings were well-proportioned and featured classical elements, such as rounded arches, columns and domes.(Illustration: Pantheon in Paris, designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot).
   2. SCULPTURE

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      • Neoclassical sculptures were usually made of marble and depicted mythological themes or famous people. Houdon's sculptures 'Voltaire' and 'Rousseau' are examples from this style. (Illustration: Jean-Antoine Houdon, 'Voltaire', 1781).
   3. PAINTING

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      • Neoclassical painters imitated classical sculptures, so their works featured people who look like statues. Themes were frequently mythological or historical, with idealised images of famous people. The most well-known Neoclassical painters are Mengs and Greuze. (Illustration: Mengs Anton Raphael 'Parnassus' 1761; see: http://www.safran-arts.com/42day/art/art4jun/mengs/parnasus.html).