Rococo to Neoclassicism Voltaire and Rousseau

Summary

This lecture explores the contrasting philosophies of Enlightenment thinkers Voltaire and Rousseau. Voltaire advocates for reason, scientific progress, and societal improvement, exemplified by Joseph Wright of Derby's dramatic artwork. In contrast, Rousseau argues that civilization corrupts humanity, emphasizing emotion over reason, as seen in Jean-Baptiste Greuze's portrayal of simple peasant life. The lecture also critiques the moral decay of the upper class through William Hogarth’s satirical works, while Grand Manner portraiture reflects societal ideals in a formulaic style, ultimately showcasing the complex interplay between art, society, and Enlightenment thought.

Takeaways

• 😀 Voltaire and Rousseau represent two opposing philosophies during the Enlightenment.
• 😀 Voltaire advocated for reason, science, and societal progress, opposing the monarchy and church.
• 😀 Joseph Wright of Derby's painting 'Experiment on a Bird in an Air Pump' illustrates Voltaire's ideals of education and the pursuit of knowledge.
• 😀 Rousseau believed that civilization corrupts humanity and that people should return to their natural state.
• 😀 Rousseau's philosophy emphasizes emotion over reason, suggesting that man's emotional life precedes rational thought.
• 😀 The painting 'The Village Bride' by Greuze embodies Rousseau's views on unsullied emotion and simple peasant life.
• 😀 Hogarth's 'Breakfast Scene' critiques the moral failings of the wealthy, contrasting with the purity of rural life.
• 😀 Grand Manner portraiture, exemplified by Gainsborough and Reynolds, aimed to reflect a natural and unpretentious aesthetic.
• 😀 Despite the desire for authenticity, Grand Manner portraits often adhered to a formulaic approach, revealing societal artifice.
• 😀 The artistic representations during this period reflect the tension between Enlightenment ideals of reason and the romanticization of nature.

Q & A

What were the main philosophies of Voltaire and Rousseau during the Enlightenment?

Voltaire advocated for reason, science, and progress, opposing tyranny and promoting individual freedoms. In contrast, Rousseau believed that civilization corrupted humanity, advocating for a return to a natural state focused on emotion over reason.

How does Joseph Wright of Derby's painting 'Experiment on a Bird in an Air Pump' reflect Voltaire's ideas?

The painting embodies the Enlightenment's focus on scientific exploration and reason, depicting a dramatic scene that highlights the pursuit of knowledge through experimentation.

What does Rousseau mean by 'ignorance, innocence, and happiness of man's original state'?

Rousseau suggests that humanity was happiest in its primitive state, uncorrupted by the complexities and vices of society and civilization.

How is Greuze's 'The Village Bride' related to Rousseau's philosophy?

This painting illustrates Rousseau's ideals by portraying peasant life as simple and uncorrupted, showcasing genuine emotions and natural beauty.

What critiques did Hogarth provide in his painting 'The Breakfast Scene' from 'Marriage à-la-mode'?

Hogarth critiques the moral failings and excesses of the wealthy, contrasting their decadent lifestyle with the purity of peasant life, aligning with Rousseau's thoughts on societal corruption.

What is the significance of 'Grand Manner portraiture' in the context of Rousseau's philosophy?

Grand Manner portraiture aimed to convey a sense of naturalness and virtue in its subjects while often adhering to standardized, formulaic conventions, highlighting a tension between authenticity and artifice.

What emotional aspects did Rousseau believe should take precedence over rational thought?

Rousseau argued that emotional experiences and feelings are more important than rationality, suggesting that true humanity is found in emotional authenticity.

How does the artistic style of the Rococo differ from Rousseau's preferred natural style?

Rococo art is characterized by opulence and artificiality, while Rousseau favored a natural style that emphasized simplicity and emotional depth, critiquing the excesses of Rococo.

What does the term 'tenebris effect' refer to in Enlightenment art?

The 'tenebris effect' refers to the use of dramatic contrasts of light and shadow to enhance the emotional and dramatic impact of a scene, commonly found in Enlightenment artwork.

In what ways did the upper-class society influence the commissioning of artworks like 'The Village Bride'?

Wealthy patrons commissioned works that portrayed peasant life, as a means to express their connection to nature and simplicity, despite their own affluent lifestyles.