SPP - 18th-Century Culture and Arts (Lesson)

18th-Century Culture and Arts

Up through the 18th century, Europe experienced censorship when it came to the creation and transmission of printed knowledge. During the Middle Ages, the censor was usually someone who had the right to control the written material that was consumed by the public. Not surprisingly, this job frequently was left to religious authorities whose purpose was to make sure that the written material met the teachings of the Catholic Church. By the 16th century, the states had taken over control of this action. In France, this was usually done before publication and all books had to be approved, however, as time went on more pieces of written work were censored after they were published. Actions against publishers included fines, legal proceedings, and destruction of the books.

Despite the efforts by religious and governmental authorities to control the flow of information to the masses, different forms of printed materials became popular and played a role in forming public opinion on a multitude of subjects. People were more literate than ever before.

Newspapers – One of the first daily English language newspapers was the London Chronicle, which began being published in 1757. Daily newspapers were popular because they provided currency in their reporting of news and events.

Periodicals – These magazines were published on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc. basis. In Great Britain, the first periodical was published in 1709. The Tatler was a journal that included essays on contemporary matters. The periodical also included fashion and gossip.

The Encyclopedie – edited by Denis Diderot. This book of general knowledge was published in France and is known for spreading information about the Enlightenment.

Illustration of Robinson Crusoe

What is normal anyway?

The increase in exposure to new ideas and information began to change the views of Europeans. Natural sciences, such as biology, were growing as new discoveries were made and this made Europeans even more curious about those who might be different than them. Literature and popular culture helped form these visions of people outside of Europe. An example would be Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. This book portrayed non-Europeans as essentially anti-European in that they weren’t Christian but showed that they could be converted to Christianity if educated, especially in the ways of the Enlightenment. This education would help the people outside of Europe embrace the accepted social norms.

 

Mind your own business.

The growth of the commercial culture of Europe in the 18th century was earmarked by an increased concern for privacy. The home took on a new role as a place for refuge and was redesigned to include private areas, such as bedrooms or boudoirs. The homes still had public areas such as parlors and sitting rooms but the private areas remained off-limits to visitors. This time period brought about the rise of the bourgeoisie, or those who were in the middle class, with a materialistic view of life. This middle class not only saw their homes differently, but they also outfitted them differently as well. They purchased new goods for homes that had a less utilitarian use such as porcelain dishes, mirrors, and prints. The purpose of these was to enhance the appearance of their home, increase their comfort, and display their level of wealth for their neighbors to see.

This consumer revolution also brought about the ability to enjoy leisure activities. In centuries before, leisure was meant only for the elite because the commercial classes and lower were trying to survive. New trade brings more money and more money means more leisure time. Europe saw the growth of coffeehouses, places where people could come together to discuss politics and philosophy. Theaters and opera houses allowed the elite and the commercial merchants to enjoy culture with music by Bach and Handel.

From left to right: Portraits of Bach and Handel

Art in the 18th century

For the first half of the 18th century, the art movement that was most popular was Baroque. Baroque art and music glorified religious feelings. This was used to illustrate the power of the state. However, as the century wore on, art and literature shifted from having a religious focus to art and literature that reflected the new ideas of political participation and citizenship that came with the Enlightenment. The art of this time is expressed well through Dutch Realism but then progresses to Neoclassicism.

 

Dutch Realism

Art of this period is often represented by the genre paintings of the Dutch Realists.

Painting - The Geographer

The Geographer by Jan Vermeer

Image is in the public domain and this file can be found at www.artchive.com

Dutch or Northern Realism as defined by Larry Treadwell of thecaveonline.com:

Genre or everyday scenes exhibit mathematical and geometric values of seventeenth-century science. Middle-class Dutch patrons commissioned secular works: portraits, still-lifes; landscapes, and genre paintings Values: quiet opulence, comfortable domesticity, realism.

 

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Neoclassicism

Art of this period is very technical and reflects the search for reason that is indicative of this time period.

Painting - Death of Socrates

The Death of Socrates by Jacques Louis David

Image is in the public domain and this file can be found at www.artchive.com

Neoclassicism as defined by Larry Treadwell of thecaveonline.com:

A return to classical antiquity for inspiration; scenes are historical and mythological; figures appear to be sculpted; the appeal is to the intellect, not the heart; emotions are restrained, and balance is achieved. Values: reason, order, balance, reverence for antiquity.

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In your notes, respond to the following.

  • Sum up in 3-5 sentences how the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment impacted the arts.

 

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