French Revolution and Rise of Romanticism, Essay Example

Political issues of the day, such as the French Revolution, make the most important impact upon art, and define its context. The trend in painting is exemplified in Napoleon’s “Crossing the Alps”. With this painting, Napoleon wanted to emulate the ancient Rome’s glory. Distinction between church and state is important, too, in this period. Some of the aspects of Romanticism include Supernatural figures, Emotional displays through the subjects’ body language, and a wide array of colors are showcased in this historical time period.

Realism and impressionism are major eras that follow Romanticism, and are associated with the 19^th Century. Realism creates realistic nuance around represented figures or objects. This falls in with the Scientific Method, and observation. Additionally, manual labor is depicted as a clear subject in these paintings, and reflects political situations of the times. These painters intend to spur viewers to social change. Medical procedures are also beginning to be depicted in a spectacle sort of way. The relationship between the domestic sphere and the public sphere is explored as well in this time period. Referring to modern art, artists desire to create form so that their innovation shines through to change the way audiences view it. Some question modern art, and the direction it’s heading.