Revolution and Art – 1700’s

 Revolution and Art – 1700’s

 

 

Detail, Benjamin West, The Death of General Wolfe, 1770, oil on canvas, 152.6 x 214.5 cm (National Gallery of Canada; photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

 

Benjamin West was born in the United States and sent to Italy to learn European art. West was a founding member of the Royal Academy of Art which was established in 1768. West was known for this painting because it was uncommon to have a painting that depicted a contemporary event. They were typically reserved for Bible stories or from the classical past. This painting depicts an event from the Seven Years’ War when General James Wolfe was mortally wounded outside of Quebec. West also challenged social norms with his paintings by the type of dress, which was historically accurate, but he was instructed to use togas instead, but he refused. (Zygmont)

Jean-Antoine Houdon, George Washington, 1788–92, marble, 6′ 2″ high (State Capitol, Richmond, Virginia, photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

 

Jean-Antoine Houdon was a French sculptor who had a Rococo sculpture style and elements of classicism and naturalism in his work. He sculpted many famous things, such as Diana and a bust by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. He would sculpt the initial sculpture from clay and then do one of marble, bronze, or plaster. Houdon had a similar challenge to the norms of this time as West did and initially created a bust portrait of Washington in a toga. Still, Washington disliked it and wanted contemporary clothing. (Editors)

 

 

The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries, Jacques-Louis David (1812) Oil on Canvas

 

Jacques-Louis David was a French painter who was a proponent of the neoclassical style. He became the painter of the French Revolution and was appointed official portraitist to Napoleon. He was a founding member of the new Institut de France, which replaced the Royal Academy. (Editors)

 

The American Revolution was in 1775, the Seven Years’ War was from 1756 to 1763, and the French Revolution began in 1789, and by 1800 Napoleon was in power. These were huge events that changed the world on a global scale. Big-name leaders such as George Washington and Napoleon established themselves. The arts altered during these times as well. As noted above, artists challenged the cultural norm of depicting Jesus, the Bible, and old toga-wearing angelic beings. Now, contemporary real people are being painted with accurate portrayals of clothing.

The Death of General Wolfe depicts a moment in time. It’s a flowing and dynamic work that creates a sense of suspense. You can almost hear drums in the background and clashes of the storm depicted in the sky. There are detailed faces, emotions, and people running. It feels like a scene you are watching unfold. Such an epic display of a battlefield. I enjoy this piece of art and would love to have a copy.

Jacques's portrait of Napoleon makes him look so life-like. The incredible attention to detail, including his facial features, clothing, and surroundings, make it seem so real. The clock showed it early morning, and the candles burnt low as if Napoleon had worked tirelessly all night. He exudes power and control with a sense of calmness and humility.

Houdon’s sculpture of George Washington is highly detailed and amazingly done. I am always so impressed with statues and how life is like they are. Just like Napoleon, he exudes dominance, control, and power. His clothing looks like you could pull off his coat and wear it; that’s how finely detailed this work is.

I have noted on previous statues that I would like a garden of statues in my backyard, including powerful and influential people of the past. I would include George Washington and I would like to include something of Napoleon.

 

 

 

 

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Jacques-Louis David summary". Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May. 2020, Jacques-Louis David summary | Britannica

 

 

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Jean-Antoine Houdon". Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Mar. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jean-Antoine-Houdon. Accessed 8 July 2024.

 

 

 

Dr. Sarah Beetham, Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Bryan Zygmont, "Jean-Antoine Houdon, George  Washington," in Smarthistory, November 5, 2021, accessed July 8, 2024, https://smarthistory.org/houdon-george-washington/.
Smarthistory – Jean-Antoine Houdon, George Washington

 

 

Zygmont, Bryan. “Benjamin West, the Death of General Wolfe (Article).” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-americas/british-colonies/colonial-period/a/benjamin-wests-the-death-of-general-wolfe. Accessed 8 July 2024.
Benjamin West, The Death of General Wolfe (article) | Khan Academy