Neoclassical Arts

Neo-classic Era BasicsNeo=new“Age of Reason” – intellectual movement –

ideas of Greece and Rome were inspirationMarked by rationality, ethics, aesthetics,

and knowledgeGet away from superstition (magic),

irrationality, and tyranny of dark agesEnlightenment – framework for American

and French revolution

ContinuedBirth of capitalism, socialism, liberalism, and

fascismArts important way of spreading knowledge

and serving the state’s needsState created arts academies – served the

state’s needs and ideas – created qualifications and diplomas – propaganda

Women recognized in the arts for first timePublic museums and art galleries created –

propaganda

Visual arts

Thomas JeffersonPromoted Neo-Palladian style architect (Andrea Palladio – principles of classic Roman architecture)

MonticelloCapitol Building

Monticello

Capitol Building

Neoclassicism in visual artGet away from BaroquePurity of Roman art/idealism of Greek artSharp colorsClean lines (no Sfumato)Chiaroscuro (less though)Use of perspectiveLook of artificial light, almost like the

theatre

Jacques-Louis DavidFrenchInspired by Greeks and

RomansMany works were based on

ancient history/mythologyOfficial artist of the French

revolution/Napoleon’s courtPainted many portraits of

revolutionary leadersServed time in jail for

participation in “The Terror”

Later exiled (Louis XVIII)

The Classical Music Period

(1720-1830)

Classical Music• Polyphony replaced by homophonic music

(melody supported by system of harmony)• Movement centered in/around Vienna• Begins in 1750’s and 60’s• Reached maturity in 70’s and 80’s – around

the time of the American & French revolutions

Mozart• First symphony (musical work made up of 4

movements separated by silence) at age 8• Amadeus means “loved by God”• Austrian Emperor Joseph II accused his music

of “too many notes”• Spread his reputation in Vienna by

publishing, playing the piano and having an opera performed in 1782

Mozart• Composed 15 piano concertos (composition for an

orchestra and soloist) by 1786• Served as composer and soloist in his works• Unable to finish his Requiem• Possible causes of death – Flu, Mercury poisoning

(medicine), Kidney illness, Rheumatic fever• Buried in a Vienna suburb with little ceremony and

in an unmarked grave (even the second one he was buried in)

Haydn• Trained as a choirboy and taken to St. Stephen’s

Cathedral, Vienna, in mid 1700’s• Became freelance musician and accompanist• Played violin and keyboard• Wrote sacred music, music for theatre comedies, and

chamber music• Seen as the “father of the symphony and string

quartet” – did not originate them• At his funeral in 1809 Mozart’s Requiem was performed

Beethoven• Exact date of birth unknown (likely

12/16/1770)• Father gave instruction in piano, violin, and

viola• First public concert was on March 26, 1778 at

age 7 (same day as his death 49 years later)• 1802 – found out his impaired hearing was

incurable and would worsen

Beethoven• Became very productive despite hearing

impairment• Aristocracy of Vienna supported him generously

and were tolerant of his rude & insensitive manners, careless appearance, and towering rages

• From end of 1790’s, he was no longer dependent on patronage for income

• Sometimes took several years to refine an idea before satisfied

Beethoven• Ideas usually written in sketchbooks which he

constantly carried• Death in 1827 – said that 10,000 people were at

his funeral• Became public figure before death – unlike any

musicians before• Bridged classical of Mozart and Haydn with

Romantic period that followed

Satire – The Neoclassical Drama

Moliere and Swift

Satire

Making fun of current events or social structures through irony, sarcasm and wit

Makes fun of moral and social views

“Tongue-in-cheek” humor

Moliere

French actor and playwright Master of Satire Dance and drama were very

important to the French aristocracy/helped him promote his art

Established his own acting troupe in the court of Louis XIV (1660)

Also used physical humor inspired by Commedia dell’arte

Moliere Continued

Used 5 act development as seen in Greek and Renaissance (Shakespeare)

Superstition – he collapsed during a presentation of The Imaginary Invalid and died later in his home – was wearing yellow on stage – seen as bad luck by some actors to wear yellow costumes on stage

SummaryWrite a 5-6 sentence summary for Neo-

Classical Art