What Is the Enlightenment Art History?

Art|Art History

The Enlightenment art history is a period of European art history that began with the emergence of Neoclassicism in the mid-18th century. The movement was characterized by an emphasis on realism, realism and rationalism, and was heavily influenced by the scientific advancements and cultural changes of the Enlightenment. This period saw a shift from traditional religious art to more secular themes, often depicting scenes from nature or everyday life.

The Enlightenment saw a rise in interest in the visual arts, with artists exploring new techniques and media to express their ideas. This included a focus on the use of light, shadow and perspective to create realistic effects, as well as an increased interest in portraiture and landscape painting. A major development during this period was the emergence of neoclassical sculpture, which sought to reimagine classical forms for modern audiences.

The Enlightenment also saw an expansion in public interest in art and a growth in public patronage of artists. This led to an increase in the number of collections open to the public, as well as the establishment of galleries and museums dedicated to showcasing works of art. Artists such as Jacques-Louis David, Francisco Goya and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres are among those who achieved fame during this period.

The Enlightenment also had a lasting effect on art education. At this time, there was an emphasis on teaching students how to draw accurately from observation rather than relying solely on imagination or copying other works.

Many academies were established during this time that focused on teaching drawing skills and principles such as harmony, proportion and composition. At the same time, there was a growing appreciation for different styles of art from around Europe and beyond such as rococo and romanticism.

The legacy of Enlightenment art history continues today with Neoclassicism still influencing contemporary artwork across Europe and beyond. The movement’s emphasis on realism has also been adopted by modern movements such as photojournalism which seek to accurately portray people or events without embellishment or distortion.

Conclusion: What Is the Enlightenment Art History?

The Enlightenment art history is a period of European art history that began with Neoclassicism in the mid 18th century and saw a shift towards more secular themes while placing an emphasis on technical mastery and realistic representation. It also saw an increase in public patronage towards artists leading to the establishment of galleries & museums dedicated to showcasing their work & influence remains strong today.