The 18th century economic and political revolutions including the French revolution, the American Revolution, and the industrial revolution had great impacts on the art and architecture. The age of enlightenment saw great changes in art. Attitude toward art changed as production of beautiful artwork increased (“The evolution of the idea of art,” n.d). Apart from the architectural development, the American revolutions triggered great desires in art work. At this time, the Royal Academy that had initiated the “history painting” experienced an influx of some of the great American artists who had passion to pursue the “history painting.”
Before the revolution, the rich paid artist to paint and produce artwork that only made their lives comfortable. The rich protected their class and aimed at maintaining the social class. With the revolutions, democracy changed how the painters and the general public viewed life. An increased number of middle class also needed a space in the society. Due to this, the salon became a popular place were numerous artists produced a variety of messages and impressions. The middle class patronized artwork and annual art exhibitions became common that showcased the latest trends of art. The artist controlled the concept of beauty, moral and spiritualism that had been guarded jealously by the rich.
Modernism emerged with strong movements such as symbolisms, impressionism, and expressionism. These three movements tended to revolutionized artwork to present the changing environment of the industrial revolution. The literature, art and designs, and decorative art changed with the shift in social engineering associated with industrial revolution. An emphasis on the form saw a change on the materials used in the art with those that promoted quality visual output being favored over the others. There was a general change from the traditional approaches in art to more realistic painting with decorative details. The art was no longer passing information only, but also gained more aesthetic value than before. Technological advancement lead to the demand for roads, bridges, and railroads changed the architecture as well as the changing city structures.
Work cited
“The evolution of the idea of art.” n.d. Accessed from http://char.txa.cornell.edu/art/fineart/evolidea/evolidea.htm on November 6, 2014.
