Unit 4 Overview: Later Europe and Americas, 1750-1980 CE
4 min read•january 19, 2023
Charly Castillo
Laurie Accede
Charly Castillo
Laurie Accede
We've finally made it to Unit 4, the longest section of the entire AP Art History course. Even though it may seem intimidating at first, Unit 4 is an art history student's dream because it has a little bit of everything: from Greco-Roman inspired works 🏛️, to modernist architecture, to experimental paintings that test the limits of art.
As with every unit, we'll get to see how different historical events and social problems from 1750 to 1980 have influenced the art made in each period (and even the works of today). We'll also get to see artists in each movement break traditional rules by depicting subjects that have never been painted before, creating new techniques, employing newly invented media, and exposing issues that have historically been ignored. So, now that you're all excited to learn about Unit 4, let's get into the contextualization!
Contextualization (AKA The Historical Background)
As previously mentioned, this unit is the largest in the entire course, and has many different movements and historical events. Since would take a lot of time to go through each event, we choose to go over some of the main ones below, which will come up the most during this unit.
The Enlightenment (1715 – 1789)
During the , philosophers and other intellectuals began having new perspectives on old ideas, and promoted skepticism, the study of science, and reason over superstition. There was a larger emphasis on individualism and secularism (separate from religion). The content of artwork began to change since artists were no longer restricted to only religious forms. The also saw a renewed interest in classical art and architecture, as well as a growing appreciation for the natural world. This laid the foundation for a rise in many new artistic movements and forms.
French Revolution (1789-1799)
The was led by people who were revolting against the unfair treatment of the Third Estate (everyday people) by the government, constant food shortages, and economic hardship after fighting in the American Revolution. Many paintings had political messages about the events that were occurring, with symbolism expressing political beliefs (see ). The was followed by artistic movements like , which focused on emotion and expressed the (anything that makes its viewers look in awe 😱).
Liberty Leading the People. Image Courtesy of: Art in Context
Publishing of the Communist Manifesto (1848)
After the was published, people began to realize the issues of living in a capitalist society, which led to revolutions, protests and uprisings, and assassinations of socialists across Europe (see ).
Revolutions of 1848
The Revolutions of 1848 were spearheaded by three changes in Europe: the rising popularity of nationalist movements (ones that support the creation of nations based on ethnicity), the spread of , and inadequate ruling by monarchs.
Perry Expedition and the Forced Opening of Japan (1853-1868)
The went to Japan and forced the nation to open its borders, rather than remain sheltered and only allow trade with certain nations. This allowed for the spread of Japanese culture, including art, around the world. These traditional forms and motifs became infused with western techniques to form a new artistic style known as (see ).
World Wars I and II (1914-1945)
Both had drastic effects on economies, populations, and the environment around the world. Similar to the other wars that have occurred across history, WWI and WWII art include messages about the political and social environment. WWI specifically led to artistic movements like (abstract form meant to puzzle the viewer) and (expressed the artists' inner feelings).
The Harlem Renaissance (1920s-1930s)
During the early decades of the 1900s, African Americans from the South began migrating to cities in the North, which led to an artistic and cultural movement now known as the . Most paintings from this artistic movement have themes like race, civil rights, and segregation. There was also a renewed interest in . In general, the provided a platform for African-American artists to showcase their art and cultural heritage.
Influence of Pop Culture (1950s-Present)
continues to influence artistic works. Beauty standards, the concept of "femininity," celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, and protests against the Vietnam War have all inspired works made in this unit.
Key Terms to Review (17)
African Art Forms
: African art forms encompass various artistic traditions and practices found across the African continent. These art forms often reflect cultural beliefs, rituals, and social structures, showcasing a wide range of materials, techniques, and styles.Communist Manifesto
: The Communist Manifesto is a political pamphlet written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848. It outlines their theories on class struggle, capitalism's flaws, and the need for a proletarian revolution to establish a communist society.Enlightenment
: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that took place in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. It emphasized reason, logic, and individualism as a means to challenge traditional authority and promote progress.Expressionism
: Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by the distortion of reality and the expression of intense emotions through vivid colors, exaggerated forms, and bold brushstrokes.French Revolution
: The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799. It resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy, the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, and significant changes in French society.Harlem Renaissance
: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement during the 1920s in Harlem, New York City, where African American artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals flourished. It celebrated black culture and identity while challenging racial stereotypes through various artistic expressions.Japonisme
: Japonisme refers to the influence of Japanese art, culture, and aesthetics on Western artists and designers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It had a significant impact on various art movements, such as Impressionism and Art Nouveau.Liberalism
: Liberalism is a political and philosophical ideology that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and equality. It promotes limited government intervention in the economy and supports social progress.Liberty Leading the People
: Liberty Leading the People is a famous painting by Eugène Delacroix created in 1830. It depicts allegorical figures representing liberty leading people from all walks of life during the July Revolution in France.Memorial Sheet of Karl Liebknecht
: A memorial sheet is a printed image or document that commemorates the life and death of an individual. The Memorial Sheet of Karl Liebknecht specifically refers to a German political activist who was assassinated in 1919.Perry Expedition
: The Perry Expedition refers to Commodore Matthew Perry's diplomatic mission in 1853-1854 to Japan on behalf of the United States. This expedition aimed to establish trade relations between Japan and Western countries.Pop Culture
: Pop culture refers to the popular and widely accepted cultural trends, ideas, and activities that are prevalent in a society at a given time. It encompasses various forms of entertainment, fashion, music, art, and media that appeal to a large audience.Romanticism
: Romanticism was an artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the rationality of the Enlightenment. It emphasized emotions, individualism, imagination, and nature.Sublime
: The sublime refers to an overwhelming sense of awe or terror experienced when confronted with something vast, powerful, or beyond human comprehension. It often evokes feelings of both attraction and fear.Surrealism
: Surrealism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by dreamlike and irrational imagery. Artists sought to tap into the unconscious mind and explore the realm of dreams, fantasies, and subconscious thoughts.The Coiffure
: The Coiffure refers to a painting by Mary Cassatt that depicts a woman sitting in front of a mirror, getting her hair done. It explores themes of femininity, beauty, and the private moments of women's lives.World Wars I and II
: World Wars I and II were global conflicts that involved many countries around the world. They had devastating consequences, including loss of life, destruction of cities, and significant political changes.Unit 4 Overview: Later Europe and Americas, 1750-1980 CE
4 min read•january 19, 2023
Charly Castillo
Laurie Accede
Charly Castillo
Laurie Accede
We've finally made it to Unit 4, the longest section of the entire AP Art History course. Even though it may seem intimidating at first, Unit 4 is an art history student's dream because it has a little bit of everything: from Greco-Roman inspired works 🏛️, to modernist architecture, to experimental paintings that test the limits of art.
As with every unit, we'll get to see how different historical events and social problems from 1750 to 1980 have influenced the art made in each period (and even the works of today). We'll also get to see artists in each movement break traditional rules by depicting subjects that have never been painted before, creating new techniques, employing newly invented media, and exposing issues that have historically been ignored. So, now that you're all excited to learn about Unit 4, let's get into the contextualization!
Contextualization (AKA The Historical Background)
As previously mentioned, this unit is the largest in the entire course, and has many different movements and historical events. Since would take a lot of time to go through each event, we choose to go over some of the main ones below, which will come up the most during this unit.
The Enlightenment (1715 – 1789)
During the , philosophers and other intellectuals began having new perspectives on old ideas, and promoted skepticism, the study of science, and reason over superstition. There was a larger emphasis on individualism and secularism (separate from religion). The content of artwork began to change since artists were no longer restricted to only religious forms. The also saw a renewed interest in classical art and architecture, as well as a growing appreciation for the natural world. This laid the foundation for a rise in many new artistic movements and forms.
French Revolution (1789-1799)
The was led by people who were revolting against the unfair treatment of the Third Estate (everyday people) by the government, constant food shortages, and economic hardship after fighting in the American Revolution. Many paintings had political messages about the events that were occurring, with symbolism expressing political beliefs (see ). The was followed by artistic movements like , which focused on emotion and expressed the (anything that makes its viewers look in awe 😱).
Liberty Leading the People. Image Courtesy of: Art in Context
Publishing of the Communist Manifesto (1848)
After the was published, people began to realize the issues of living in a capitalist society, which led to revolutions, protests and uprisings, and assassinations of socialists across Europe (see ).
Revolutions of 1848
The Revolutions of 1848 were spearheaded by three changes in Europe: the rising popularity of nationalist movements (ones that support the creation of nations based on ethnicity), the spread of , and inadequate ruling by monarchs.
Perry Expedition and the Forced Opening of Japan (1853-1868)
The went to Japan and forced the nation to open its borders, rather than remain sheltered and only allow trade with certain nations. This allowed for the spread of Japanese culture, including art, around the world. These traditional forms and motifs became infused with western techniques to form a new artistic style known as (see ).
World Wars I and II (1914-1945)
Both had drastic effects on economies, populations, and the environment around the world. Similar to the other wars that have occurred across history, WWI and WWII art include messages about the political and social environment. WWI specifically led to artistic movements like (abstract form meant to puzzle the viewer) and (expressed the artists' inner feelings).
The Harlem Renaissance (1920s-1930s)
During the early decades of the 1900s, African Americans from the South began migrating to cities in the North, which led to an artistic and cultural movement now known as the . Most paintings from this artistic movement have themes like race, civil rights, and segregation. There was also a renewed interest in . In general, the provided a platform for African-American artists to showcase their art and cultural heritage.
Influence of Pop Culture (1950s-Present)
continues to influence artistic works. Beauty standards, the concept of "femininity," celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, and protests against the Vietnam War have all inspired works made in this unit.
Key Terms to Review (17)
African Art Forms
: African art forms encompass various artistic traditions and practices found across the African continent. These art forms often reflect cultural beliefs, rituals, and social structures, showcasing a wide range of materials, techniques, and styles.Communist Manifesto
: The Communist Manifesto is a political pamphlet written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848. It outlines their theories on class struggle, capitalism's flaws, and the need for a proletarian revolution to establish a communist society.Enlightenment
: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that took place in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. It emphasized reason, logic, and individualism as a means to challenge traditional authority and promote progress.Expressionism
: Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by the distortion of reality and the expression of intense emotions through vivid colors, exaggerated forms, and bold brushstrokes.French Revolution
: The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799. It resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy, the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, and significant changes in French society.Harlem Renaissance
: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement during the 1920s in Harlem, New York City, where African American artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals flourished. It celebrated black culture and identity while challenging racial stereotypes through various artistic expressions.Japonisme
: Japonisme refers to the influence of Japanese art, culture, and aesthetics on Western artists and designers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It had a significant impact on various art movements, such as Impressionism and Art Nouveau.Liberalism
: Liberalism is a political and philosophical ideology that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and equality. It promotes limited government intervention in the economy and supports social progress.Liberty Leading the People
: Liberty Leading the People is a famous painting by Eugène Delacroix created in 1830. It depicts allegorical figures representing liberty leading people from all walks of life during the July Revolution in France.Memorial Sheet of Karl Liebknecht
: A memorial sheet is a printed image or document that commemorates the life and death of an individual. The Memorial Sheet of Karl Liebknecht specifically refers to a German political activist who was assassinated in 1919.Perry Expedition
: The Perry Expedition refers to Commodore Matthew Perry's diplomatic mission in 1853-1854 to Japan on behalf of the United States. This expedition aimed to establish trade relations between Japan and Western countries.Pop Culture
: Pop culture refers to the popular and widely accepted cultural trends, ideas, and activities that are prevalent in a society at a given time. It encompasses various forms of entertainment, fashion, music, art, and media that appeal to a large audience.Romanticism
: Romanticism was an artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the rationality of the Enlightenment. It emphasized emotions, individualism, imagination, and nature.Sublime
: The sublime refers to an overwhelming sense of awe or terror experienced when confronted with something vast, powerful, or beyond human comprehension. It often evokes feelings of both attraction and fear.Surrealism
: Surrealism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by dreamlike and irrational imagery. Artists sought to tap into the unconscious mind and explore the realm of dreams, fantasies, and subconscious thoughts.The Coiffure
: The Coiffure refers to a painting by Mary Cassatt that depicts a woman sitting in front of a mirror, getting her hair done. It explores themes of femininity, beauty, and the private moments of women's lives.World Wars I and II
: World Wars I and II were global conflicts that involved many countries around the world. They had devastating consequences, including loss of life, destruction of cities, and significant political changes.
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