18th Century Neoclassical Art
Neoclassicism began in the second half of the eighteenth century Europe. This era became known for the rise in the influence of classical antiquity. This can be reflected in the simple yet exquisite designs of the art works produced during this century. The neoclassical century also paved the way of reviving the art styles of the artists of the past. In the neoclassical period, two of the most prominent artists were Jean-Baptiste Greuze and Giovanni Francesco Barbieri. One of the works of the Jean-Baptiste was an oil painting entitled “Broken Eggs”. This painting was exhibited in the Paris Salon, and earned a lot of praises from spectators. The reason for the popularity of this artwork is symbolism engraved on each. One example is the broken egg on the floor, which actually symbolizes the lost virginity of the maiden in the painting.
(Greuze, 1756)
Meanwhile, one of Giovanni’s most famous artworks entitled “Samson Captured by the Philistines” is also an oil painting. This artwork is known for the emotions inculcated into it. It is based on the book of Judges in the Old Testament that depicted Samson, who was about to be
(Barbieri, 1619)
blinded by the Philistines. The element in this painting which is really striking is the very detailed back of Samson.
19th Century Impressionistic Art
The Impressionistic Century originated from France. The emergence of this era has been a breakthrough in the tradition of painting in Europe. This era is best known for the vibrant colors that can be seen in the artworks produced from this century. This is a result of the rigorous research done for the discovery of more accurate tones and warmth, to be able represent the artworks more. Two of the most popular artists during this century are Pierre-auguste Renoir and Edouard Manet. One of the most prominent works of Renoir is entitled “The Umbrellas” which he made in 1884. This artwork is an oil painting, and was most known for the exquisite, fine colors used in his artworks.
(Renoir, 1880)
Renoir is best known for the presence of several themes in all his artworks which include flowers, scenic landscapes, pretty children, and women. Edouard Manet, on the other hand, is a French artist who was known for his works that depicts still-life, and isolated figure gazing. Despite his deteriorating health condition, Manet was still able to create one if his most famous masterpieces entitled “A Bar at the Folies-Bergere” which reflected the most prominent themes in his artworks that were mentioned above.
(Manet, 1882)
20th Century Surrealism
The epoch of surrealism began in the year 1924. Artists in this century argued that the tendency of the mind to repress thoughts hinder the cultivation of imagination. This artistic view is most known for the influence of Marxism in the works of Surreal artists, in the presence of strong imaginations in the artworks. Two of the most prominent Surreal artists in the world were Andre Masson and Yves Tanguy. One of Masson’s famous works is his painting entitled “Battle of Fishes” which he made in 1926. This artwork was his reflection after he served in the military during the World War II. This artwork was a manifestation of the experiences he had during the
(Masson, 1926)
war. He believes that through art, people will be able to bring out the sadist nature they are kept in.
Meanwhile, one of Tanguy’s most famous works, Mama, Papa is Wounded! was also a depiction of war. He is best known for the themes that are encrypted in his works which are usually based on histories of psychiatric cases.
(Tanguy, 1927)
20th Century Digital Art
Digital art is one of the results of technological advancements that the world is experiencing right now. It utilizes the use of innovations and new techniques in visual arts. There are many forms of digital art, and one of which is digital painting and drawing. Two of the most prominent artists in the world of digital art today are D. L Zimmerman and Joan Myerson Shrager. Using digital painting as a method, Shrager was able to make one of her masterpieces entitled “Contemplative Nude”. In this artwork, Shrager showcased the use of lines, volumes, and color. Her works are best known for the figures being formed from layers of lines and colors.
(Shrager, n.d)
Meanwhile, one of the masterpieces of Zimmerman is entitled “Tulare County 2”. Zimmerman’s works are best known for utilizing the mouse as his main tool for doing digital painting. Most artists nowadays use stylus pens specially made for digital drawing, which makes Zimmerman’s artworks unique.
(Zimmerman, n.d)
Analyzing these artworks, the style that I found most interesting is the 19th century impressionistic style because it harnessed the use and blending of beautiful colors, which made the artworks more vibrant and eye-catching. The themes that were present in the artworks were also very interesting. The scenes depicted in the paintings were rather full of emotions and are very striking. These artworks are important in the history of the world. This shows how the creative minds of humans have evolved into different perspectives, and how the influence of artists for doing their craft have changed from time to time. Looking at the history of the emergence of these art forms also serves as a reflection on the main breakthroughs in the field of visual art.
References
Art Movements. (n.d.). Impressionism. Retrieved May 7, 2016, from http://www.artmovements.co.uk/impressionism.htm
Barbieri, G.F. (1619). Samson Captured by the Philistines. [JPG].
Retrieved May 10, 2016, from http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436603
Zimmerman, D. L. (n.d). Tulare County 2. [JPG] Retrieved May 10, 2016, from
http://moca.virtual.museum/zimmerman/zimmerman02.htm
Greuze, J. B. (1756). Broken Eggs. [JPG].
Retrieved May 10, 2016, from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/20.155.8/
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. (n.d.). Neoclassicism. Retrieved May 7, 2016, from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/neoc_1/hd_neoc_1.htm
Jarvis, J. (n.d.). An Art Lover's Guide to Digital Art. Retrieved May 7, 2016, from http://moca.virtual.museum/editorial/jdessay.asp
Manet, E. (1882). A Bar at the Folies-Bergere. [JPG] Retrieved May 10, 2016, from
http://www.artandarchitecture.org.uk/images/full/dfa409925e5fba2126fb40cbc171592339f2857c.html?ixsid=UhFrOHZWzhT
Masson, A. (1926). Battle of Fishes. [JPG] Retrieved May 10, 2016, form
http://www.moma.org/collection/works/79309?locale=en
Renoir, P.A. (1884). The Umbrella. [JPG]. Retrieved May 10, 2016, from
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/pierre-auguste-renoir-the-umbrellas
Shrager, J.M. (n.d). Contemplative Nude. [JPG]. Retrieved May 10, 2016, from
http://moca.virtual.museum/editorial/jdtour.asp
Surrealism. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2016, from http://www.theartstory.org/movement- surrealism.htm
Tanguy, Y. (1927). Mama, Papa is Wounded! . [JPG] Retrieved May 10, 2016, from
http://www.theartstory.org/artist-tanguy-yves-artworks.htm
