Free Art And Architecture Essay Sample

Write about some of the new ideals that came out of the Revolution, and describe how they are represented in these new styles. What points did the artists and architects wish to make?
The American Revolution was an important event which changed the views of artists and architects especially in the way they portrayed events and newly found liberties. There was an emphasis on liberty, equality and fraternity so artists such as Jacques Louis David focused upon legendary events dating back to Greek and Roman times where the rights of man had been viewed as sacrosanct.
David’s art is important for us to understand the wide ranging consequences of the French Revolution. His allying with the regime of Robespierre brought him widespread condemnation but his works such as ‘The Death of Murat’ are important for further understanding of the way certain revolutionary figures were viewed.
Architectural styles also changed considerably after the Revolution. A more open style of buildings was envisaged, especially with new public buildings which were far more open spaced and full of light, this was supposedly to encourage more public debate. Churches also changed in style, from the ornate and resplendent to the simple and inviting that emphasised the newly found ideals of man.
Portrait painting also emphasised the humanity of its subjects with the austere and haughty figure very far removed. Again, the emphasis was focused principally on the dignity of man and the importance of liberty which was gained at a considerable price. Artists in other countries such as Germany and England took longer than France to absorb these new ideals but architectural styles in public and private buildings were heavily influenced by the French school. A typical example of the post Revolution style was the great Arc de Triomphe which characterised the struggle as well as the triumph of man in his victory over oppression.