What Is Idealism in Art History?

Art|Art History

Idealism in art history is a broad concept that encompasses a range of ideas and philosophies. At its most basic, idealism refers to the idea that art should have ideals that are universal and timeless. This can take many forms, from the religious and spiritual to the more abstract and philosophical. In some cases, it is also associated with realism, which is the belief that art should represent reality as it is rather than being an idealized version of reality.

In terms of its application to art, idealism is often seen in works that are focused on beauty and harmony. This can be seen in works by artists such as Raphael, Botticelli and El Greco.

These artists were known for their use of light and color to create a sense of beauty, a sense of stillness or movement in their works and an overall feeling of harmony. Idealism was also often employed by Baroque painters such as Caravaggio and Carracci who used light to create dramatic effects.

Another form of idealism in art history is associated with neoclassicism, which emerged during the Age of Enlightenment in Europe during the 1700s. Neoclassicism was focused on creating works that were inspired by classical antiquity but also had a sense of modernity about them. Artists such as Jacques-Louis David sought to capture grandeur and heroism through their work while at the same time paying homage to ancient Greek and Roman masters.

More contemporary forms of idealism in art are seen in abstract expressionism which emerged after World War II as an attempt to express emotion through painting without resorting to representational imagery. Abstract expressionists such as Jackson Pollock sought to convey chaos, energy, passion and emotion through their use of bold colors and free-flowing lines.

Idealism has always been an important part of the history of art because it allows artists to express themselves while at the same time striving for a higher aesthetic or moral goal. Idealistic works often capture beauty or evoke emotional responses from viewers while still maintaining a sense of timelessness or universality.

Conclusion:

What Is Idealism in Art History? Idealism in art history is a broad concept encompassing ideas related to beauty, harmony, realism and neoclassicism among others.

It encourages artists to strive for higher aesthetic goals while expressing themselves emotionally or spiritually through their work. In this way, idealistic works have timelessness or universality about them that remain relevant today despite changing trends.