Neoclassical art fundamentally depends on an agreement with a group of work that has achieved significant status. Neoclassical artists were comfortable and familiar with the classics and synthesized the traditions to a new form in each of their work as opposed to repeating work in lifeless reproductions (Palmer 2011, 16). Each neoclassical work selects some models among the various possible classics which best suit their intentions. Some of the major neoclassical arts are paintings by Jacques-Louis David and Gilbert Stuart. Various neoclassic and naturalist works demonstrate the blending of inspiration of the past with relevance to contemporary life.
Among the Neoclassical artists whose works can be relevant to the contemporary life is Jacques-Louis David. He was a painter from Rome in the 18th century who used Neoclassical style to illustrate Greek and Roman history (Favret 2005, 1). In his portrait Death of Marat, David used highly realistic and naturalistic figures. The theme of the portrait was noble sacrifice as David regarded Marat as a person who died for a great cause (1). The theme can be relevant in the contemporary life depicting heroes who sacrifice themselves for a better society. Another Neoclassical artist whose works are relevant to the contemporary life is Gilbert Stuart. His portrait of George Washington gives the president a gesture which emphasizes his nobility of character and personal integrity (Verheyen, 1989, 127). Such characteristics are the ideals of a good leader to a Republic and among the things that emphasize the democratic ideals of America.
Neoclassical art with its views of classical principles can be relevant to the contemporary life. Various arts portrayed values such as nobility of character, personal integrity as well as dedication to public duty which the public wants to see in the society and will look for them in both the political and personal behaviors of individuals. The aim of all of this is to both portray and ensure a better society for all.
Bibliography
Favret, M.A. 2005. Romantic Correspondence: Women, politics and the fiction of letters (Vol. 1). Cambridge University Press.
Palmer, Allison Lee. 2011. Historical Dictionary of Neoclassical Art and Architecture. Scarecrow Press.
Verheyen, Egon. 1989. " The most exact representation of the Original": Remarks on Portraits of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart and Rembrandt Peale. Studies in the History of Art. Scarecrow Press.
