FROM THE BAROQUE PERIOD THROUGH THE ROMANTIC AGE
Introduction
The Baroque period in western history arts coincided with works of art of the 17th century. Its early manifestations happened in Italian works dating back from 16th century (Brett and Kate, 2010). In other regions such as colonial South America and Germany, some of the achievements of the Baroque period occurred in 18th century. Artworks that distinguish Baroque period from other works include their stylistic complexities and contradictions. Furthermore, emotional appeals that appealed to senses were manifested in artwork during this period (Larry, 2010). Most of the artworks during this period were paints of biblical stories.
On the other hand, romanticism was a term that was used in reference to diverse and numerous changes that were witnessed in arts between 1760 and 1870 (A world history art. 2010). These changes were against the neoclassicism but not necessarily the classicism of Greece and Rome, the age of reason and the enlightenment. Romanticism has existed in the sense of temperament as well as in the sense of aesthetic period. Most artwork signified impulse and effects that were derived from individual as opposed to collections reactions (Berlin, 1999). These artists therefore emphasized on the subjective, personal, imaginative, emotional, personal, transcendental and visionary works of art. Romantic Movement developed first in northern Europe after technical standards based on classical ideal were rejected. This was based on classical ideal that held the view that perfection was important in the works of art.
One of the achievement work of art in the romanticism period is the paintings of Karl Brullov Last day of Pompeii [1803-1833] at state Russian Museum, St. Petersburg depicting romantic spirits. Baroque period is represented by paintings of Corneille such as biblical scenes that represented popular subjects like those representing Joseph being accused by potiphars wife (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2010).
The artwork during these two period carried meaning to the society. Some of the artwork carried a meaning in social context, political and economic. They therefore reflected the way people or the society lived with one another. I therefore, agree to the fact that social, political or economic conditions can alter the nature and meaning of art. For instance, during the baroque period, the art work such as paintings were characterized with contradictions and the meaning of the paintings and other forms of art was complex to understand. Perfectionism was high and therefore, this implied the way people socialized and lived. Likewise, in the romanticism period, the work of art changed and reflected the political and the social life of people. Most of their work reflected on the kind of life they went through: socially, economically and politically.
It is also true that the nature and meaning of art is altered by social, political, and even economic conditions. For instance, most of the artwork will tend to reflect on the positive side of leaders in various political parties as opposed to their negative parts. Because of fear of intimidation and subversion, most artists will therefore tailor their message in their artwork to suit various people either politically or in the social context. On the other hand, in a democratic society, that kind of work [which negatives a political leader] is appreciated and even may be approved. This shows how the political conditions can alter the nature and meaning of art.
When it comes to economic conditions, it is also true that it alters the meaning of art. For instance, a person or an artist whose people are not facing starving may not come up with artwork that reflects or talks about poverty and vice versa. This scenario shows that indeed economic conditions may alter the meaning of an artwork. Same to social conditions, for example, an artist belonging to a certain group of category in society such as status will come up with art work that has a meaning that reflects the people in that category. Therefore, I strongly support the fact that social, economic and political conditions may alter the meaning of art.
References
A world history art. (2010). Neoclassicism and romanticism. Retrieved from:
http://www.all-art.org/history356.html
Berlin, I. (1999). The Roots of Romanticism. London: Chatto & Windus.
Brett, T. and Kate, K. (2010). The basics of art: the Baroque period. Retrieved from:
Encyclopedia Britannica. (2010). Baroque period. Retrieved from:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/53809/Baroque-period
Larry, N. [2010]. The theoretical Baroque: European Plays, painting and Poetry, 1575-
- 1725. Retrieved from: http://fathom.lib.uchicago.edu/2/10701023/
Biblical scenes representing Joseph being accused by Potiphar’s wife [Baroque period]
The conversion on the way to Damascus, by Caravaggio, 1601- Baroque period
Karl Brullov-Last days of Pompeii [1830-1833]- Romanticism period
Gustav Carus- Goethe Monument– Romanticism period
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