NEO CLASSICISM: An Introduction: Life Shapes Art Bourgeoisie grew rich and powerful from expanding trade & industry. Bourgeoisie grew rich and powerful from expanding trade & industry. A new industrial working class began to resent the appalling conditions they lived and worked in. A new industrial working class began to resent the appalling conditions they lived and worked in. Bourgeoisie feared exposes of economic realities and feared revolution (ie change). Bourgeoisie feared exposes of economic realities and feared revolution (ie change). Effects on Art in the Beginning of the 19 th C Bourgeoisie is usually associated with conservatism. (not unlike later Victorian age in Britain). ie on the surface life was chaste, monogamous, and censorious (highly critical). Bourgeoisie is usually associated with conservatism. (not unlike later Victorian age in Britain). ie on the surface life was chaste, monogamous, and censorious (highly critical). Art was institutionalised in France more than in other countries Art was institutionalised in France more than in other countries Cultural life governed by Instut de France Cultural life governed by Instut de France The Academy of Fine Arts was the subordinate body responsible for painting & sculpture. The Academy of Fine Arts was the subordinate body responsible for painting & sculpture. The Academy kept a tight hold on : The Ecole des Beaux Arts (the Art school of the Academy) The Ecole des Beaux Arts (the Art school of the Academy) The Salon was where art was exhibited and judged by a jury. You could only exhibit if you had been to the Ecole des Beaux Arts. The Salon was where art was exhibited and judged by a jury. You could only exhibit if you had been to the Ecole des Beaux Arts. RESULT: Artists succeeded only if they conformed to the Academy style: a) Subject Matter b) Formulas for working Neo Classicism: But 1 st: Classicism: But 1 st: Classicism: Herculaneum & Pompeii In 79 AD Mt Vesuvius erupted and its lava covered these 2 cities in the south of Italy near Naples. In 79 AD Mt Vesuvius erupted and its lava covered these 2 cities in the south of Italy near Naples. In 1738 discovery of Herculaneum & 1748 discovery of Pompei. The lava had preserved the buildings, statues and artifacts of this ancient Greek Colony. There was excitement. Actual 1 st hand knowledge rather than Roman copies. Oath of Horatii-David 1784 embodied the political implications of 1784 self sacrifice before state Neo Classical (revolutionary Art) The Lictors bringing back to Brutus the bodies of his sons: David, 1789 The Year of the Revolution Definite political statement Republican message The Death of Marat: David Chaos in the republic (reign of terror) Marat here shown like a martyr Christ like imagery. Pieta: Michelangelo, 1500 Jacques Louis David