Free Essays on Art History

There were many difficulties and challenges dealt with in the seventeenth century, some which have many similarities to difficulties and challenges in today’s society. During the 17th Century; also known as the Baroque Period, many investigations and discoveries formed and changed the way society viewed the world. For example 2 philosophers of this time, and Rene Descartes’ established a â€Å"new scientific method of studying the world by insisting on scrupulous objectivity and logical reasoning.† Many scientists of the same time period agreed with their discoveries claiming that these philosophers â€Å"simply amplified human understanding of creation.† Although some viewed this as a glorious discovery there were also difficulties and challenges to still be faced. Many people of this time had trouble accepting new ideas and discoveries especially those who were highly religious. The church and many church authorities were not accepting of this disc overy and strongly disagree with these findings. In today’s society many discoveries and ideas are presented and rejected due to the churches rigid beliefs and beliefs of nonconformist. Abortion and abstinence is still a controversial topic today and not thoroughly accepted. Galileo an astronomer, mathematical and physicist discovered the telescope, which lead to the confirmation of the Copernican theory. This theory was previously banned by the church from being taught which Galileo was put under house arrest for and soon after sentenced to death by the church. Although people may believe that being sentenced to death by the church does not occur these days, recently in Africa a woman was sentenced to death for adultery because it is illegal by Muslim society still faces the same challenges and difficulties because people cannot accept new ideas and beliefs. The Role of Art in Contemporary Society has taken on a historical meaning. When people these days visit a well... Free Essays on Art History Free Essays on Art History There were many difficulties and challenges dealt with in the seventeenth century, some which have many similarities to difficulties and challenges in today’s society. During the 17th Century; also known as the Baroque Period, many investigations and discoveries formed and changed the way society viewed the world. For example 2 philosophers of this time, and Rene Descartes’ established a â€Å"new scientific method of studying the world by insisting on scrupulous objectivity and logical reasoning.† Many scientists of the same time period agreed with their discoveries claiming that these philosophers â€Å"simply amplified human understanding of creation.† Although some viewed this as a glorious discovery there were also difficulties and challenges to still be faced. Many people of this time had trouble accepting new ideas and discoveries especially those who were highly religious. The church and many church authorities were not accepting of this disc overy and strongly disagree with these findings. In today’s society many discoveries and ideas are presented and rejected due to the churches rigid beliefs and beliefs of nonconformist. Abortion and abstinence is still a controversial topic today and not thoroughly accepted. Galileo an astronomer, mathematical and physicist discovered the telescope, which lead to the confirmation of the Copernican theory. This theory was previously banned by the church from being taught which Galileo was put under house arrest for and soon after sentenced to death by the church. Although people may believe that being sentenced to death by the church does not occur these days, recently in Africa a woman was sentenced to death for adultery because it is illegal by Muslim society still faces the same challenges and difficulties because people cannot accept new ideas and beliefs. The Role of Art in Contemporary Society has taken on a historical meaning. When people these days visit a well... Free Essays on Art History 1. Define the thematic and stylistic principles of Neoclassicism. How did Enlightenment thinking affect these principles? Cite specific examples by discussing the works of at least three Neoclassical painters, and one Neoclassical architect. Neoclassicism was born into the Age of Reason, where rationality and virtue were venerated over emotion and tradition. This style of art meant a return to the ancients, â€Å"a revival of classical antiquity† (p. 412). Because of this reasoning behind the art of this time, Enlightenment thinking understandably relates to Neoclassicism. Many of the philosophers during this time, including Voltaire and Hume, believed that authority ought not have any part in the ruling of human affairs. These contemporary thinkers considered reason and the common good as what should rule, and opposed what was then the established Rococo. A masterpiece of virtue could be seen in Jean-Baptiste Greuze’s painting The Village Bride. This painting, in what appears to be a genre scene, perpetuates the high caliber and honesty the Enlightenment thinkers valued. But what separates this painting from earlier genre scenes is its dramatic intention. This painting depicts lower-class family life as honorable, significant, and is ultimately more appreciated than is the frivolous pleasures supplied by the Rococo (p. 414). Another very powerful artist of Neoclassicism was Jacques-Louis David. In his beautiful painting The Death of Socrates, he invites the viewers into a lost utopia of ancient philosophers and stoic mentalities. This piece obviously parallels the death of the philosopher Socrates with the death of Jesus. It shows Socrates about to drink his poison, but instead of being frightened, he is shown as composed and as a symbol of righteousness. The figures are severe and statuesque, reflecting rationality and patriotism. This painting provides onlookers with the Enlightenment values and attitudes. The D...