The Classical Era

    The Classical era was a very interesting time. The introduction of Rococo art was widely received, but so was the decline. Not long after Rococo's downfall, Neoclassical art began to take its place. Neoclassical paintings and sculptures all portrayed clarity and idealism, meaning you could instantly tell what was happening in the painting with just a quick glance.

    A great example of the intended idealism shown is in Jacques-Louis David's Oath of the Horatii painting, which depicts a scene from a Roman legend about a seventh-century BC dispute between two warring cities, Rome and Alba Longa.

Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii,  1784, painted in Rome. It is not known where specifically it was created.

    Many pieces of art from this time were driven by stoic, political reasons. The Neoclassical style is shown here by depicting a serious, emotional scene relating to war. A dispute between two enemy cities is very political and shows the willingness and bravery to fight for one's homeland. Rome and Alba Longa were enemies, and they were enemies for a long time. This painting wouldn't be Neoclassical without some darkness or violence present. The painting shows the three Roman soldiers from the Horatius family saluting their father as they leave to go battle three brothers from the Curiatii family. They are all fighting to prove who is better, and the young soldiers won't stop to prove their strength and power over the other. The women weeping on the right side of the painting knowing that someone will die, someone they love. One of the women is a Horatii, betrothed to one of the Curiatii soldiers, and one of the women is of Curiatii decent and betrothed to one of the Horatii fighters. They are aware that no matter which side wins the fight, someone they love will die a gruesome death. The shadows on the landscape in the background help to contrast with the Horatii family in the light in the foreground. The two women in the light on the right of the painting are most likely the women who are betrothed to the soldiers engaging in battle. Light alone shows who is important in this scene, but it's not like many characters are unimportant in the painting.

    

    Another great example of the revolution and war being shown in Neoclassical paintings is in Élisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun's Portrait of Muhammad Dervish Khan.

Élisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun, Portrait of Muhammad Dervish Khan. 1788. The whereabouts of this painting's origin are unknown.

    This painting depicts Muhammad Dervish Khan, the Indian ambassador sent to France by the powerful Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan. The work is an evocative account of France's fascination with the East as well as Vigée's resourcefulness in acquiring this unique commission. Ambassadors are pretty political, and that's what a lot of Neoclassical paintings are, political and filled with deep meanings. Muhammad Dervish Khan is the only figure in the painting, there isn't much contrast needed to distinguish him from the rest of the picture. There is plenty of contrast included despite this fact, Muhammad Darvish Khan's robes are filled with beautifully contrasting colors, white and gold compared to the dark and cloudy skies and the murky, blurry land in the foreground. There is detail everywhere you look in this painting, except for the ground. The bushes in the dirt in the foreground have almost no texture to them at all, it seems like the clouds in the sky have more texture than the bushes and grass. The feet and bland sections of Muhammad's robe are towards the ground, the non-important parts. But when you look up, you see the intricate patterns and detailed face of Muhammad, as well as nice, fluffy clouds. The painting's detailed brushstrokes force you to observe Muhammad from above the legs, where all of the fine brushwork is shown. The wrinkling of the lower sections of Muhammad's robe is not to go unnoticed, Muhammad's sword points downwards, directing you to the perfectly simulated ripples on his robe. This painting tells you where to look and the order of places to look at it.

    My final example of a perfect Neoclassical painting is Death of the Stag by Benjamin West.

Benjamin West, Death of the Stag, 1786. It is unknown as to where this painting was created.

    This painting illustrates the legend of when the first chieftain of the Clan Mackenzie saves the life of the Scottish king. Colin Fitzgerald is seen wielding a spear which he is about to use to kill a stag for betraying the Scottish King, Alexander III, on a hunting expedition. The painting shows violence all around, Colin is about to spear a stag to death, a variety of dogs are attacking the stag or running around, and horses are shown panicking and bucking around. Colin Fitzgerald appears more in focus than all of the other people and animals. Colin is also the only character in the painting dressed in bright tan, all other characters are wither, a dark gray, blue, orange, or brown. Colin is shown in an action-packed stance as he is at the climax of his windup before puncturing the stag with the massive spear in his hand. There are clear expressions of panic and worry as Colin prepares to spear the stag, the king of Scotland is in danger, and everyone present is aware of this. They all realize how bad the situation is for all of them, Colin stands up and raises his weapon, preparing to strike the beast down. The moment is captured perfectly, there is chaos, violence, emotion, contrast, focus, and story.

    All of these works of art tell a story and show immense detail upon doing so. Some paintings capture a more peaceful moment, while others depict moments before death and chaos. The Neoclassical era contains works with loads of different themes and motifs, but revolution is a recurring theme throughout all of them, and these paintings are the proof.

"Benjamin West." National Galleries Scotland, www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/5702. Date Accessed 10, 19, 2023.

"ELISABETH-LOUISE VIGÉE LE BRUN." Sotheby's, www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/master-paintings-evening-n10007/lot.48.html?locale=en. Date Accessed 10, 19, 2023.

"“Oath of the Horatii” by Jacques-Louis David." JOY OF MUSEUMS VIRTUAL TOURS, joyofmuseums.com/museums/europe/france-museums/paris-museums/the-louvre/oath-of-the-horatii-by-jacques-louis-david/. Date Accessed 10, 19, 2023.