Francois Boucher, Triumph of Venus, 1740 (National Museum, Stockholm.)
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Classical Art in 1700's was a totally different era for all the artists. The Rococo style has emerged and was directly related to this era. Many famous artists had developed their unique style of painting and among them were Boucher, Fragonard, and Reynolds.
Francois Boucher
Boucher undertook a journey to Italy to immerse himself in the study of the Venetian Baroque and 17th-century Dutch landscape painting. Upon his return to Paris in the early 1730s, Boucher's artistic style emerged as a well-balanced yet active, lighthearted yet sexually charged expression, embodying the essence of Rococo through its energy and palette. This development foreshadowed Boucher's further exploration of a playful sense of eroticism as a defining element of the genre, as seen in his creation of the Triumph of Venus in 1740. The art piece is a beautiful work that brings me joy, evoking thoughts of my wife and our baby. I aspire to own this painting and display it in a space where my daughter can enjoy it.
Jean-Honore Fragonard
Like Boucher, Fragonard was also influenced by both Italian Baroque and Dutch landscape painting. However, the quick, painterly brushstrokes for which Fragonard was celebrated represent a generational evolution in Rococo. He demonstrated his mastery over various textures, from billowy clouds to dappled leaves and flowers, and the carefully creased fabrics of the couple's clothing. One of his famous artworks was "The Swing" in 1767. This painting was beautifully done and brings joy to those who gaze at it. It reminded me of summertime, when people usually spend time at the playground and use the swing. I would love to own this painting, but it's better suited for a museum because of its historical significance.
Sir Joshua Reynolds
Reynolds studied under Thomas Hudson and Joseph Wright of Derby and drew influence from Old Masters. His style was an amalgamation of international influences, characterized by dramatic lighting, rich colors, and poses borrowed from classical paintings. These elements are evident in his famous painting, the Portrait of Syacust Ukah, 1762. Although the painting seemed dull to me, I could sense the emotion that the artist was trying to reflect. Personally, I wouldn't want to own this painting.
Bibliography
Joshua Reynolds - Biography, Shows, Articles & More | Artsy, www.artsy.net/artist/joshua-reynolds. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.
10 Artworks That Defined the Rococo Style | Artsy, www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-10-artworks-defined-rococo-style. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.
Your examination of classical art in the 1700s was really engaging. You’ve done a great job illustrating how Rococo emerged during this time and influenced artists like Boucher, Fragonard, and Reynolds. Your personal connection to Boucher’s Triumph of Venus is especially touching. Your thoughts on Fragonard’s The Swing beautifully capture its playful spirit. I love how you relate it to summer days at the playground, highlighting Rococo's carefree essence. Your appreciation for Fragonard’s brushwork and texture brings his work to life. As for Reynolds and the Portrait of Syacust Ukah, I admire your candid feelings toward the painting. It’s interesting to hear that while it may not appeal to you, you can still sense the emotion the artist intended to convey. This shows a thoughtful engagement with the artwork, even if it doesn’t resonate personally.
ReplyDeleteHey, I loved your analysis of classical art. I love that you chose the swing from Fragonard. It is one of my favorites. The 1700s era for art was a time for artists to take a different approach then others before them.
ReplyDeleteHaving also chosen “The Swing” as one of my paintings to analyze, it was interesting to see your analysis of it. I found the painting very appealing in its nature and focused more on the style and elements present in the piece, so it was interesting to see an analysis focused more on the artist and creation of the painting. Beyond that I enjoyed learning about the other two pieces and appreciated your thoughts and opinions on all three, thanks for the share!
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