Age of Enlightenment

Definition

The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority. This era encouraged a renewed interest in classical antiquity, including the art and philosophies of Ancient Greece, inspiring the revival of Greek artistic ideals in various forms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought, promoting ideas about individual rights, liberty, and the separation of church and state.
2. Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant challenged traditional authority and advocated for social reforms based on reason and empirical evidence.
3. Art during this period was marked by a shift towards Neoclassicism, which sought to emulate the aesthetics and themes of Ancient Greece and Rome as a reflection of Enlightenment ideals.
4. Public institutions such as salons and coffeehouses flourished, becoming hubs for intellectual exchange and discussion among Enlightenment thinkers and artists.
5. The legacy of the Age of Enlightenment significantly influenced the development of Western art, philosophy, and politics, paving the way for future movements such as Romanticism.

Review Questions

• How did the Age of Enlightenment influence Neoclassicism in art?
  • The Age of Enlightenment fostered a renewed appreciation for reason and classical ideals, which directly influenced Neoclassicism in art. Artists began to draw inspiration from Ancient Greece and Rome, prioritizing clarity, symmetry, and idealized forms to reflect Enlightenment values. This movement aimed to convey moral messages and showcase human achievement, aligning with the broader intellectual currents that emphasized rational thought over emotional expression.
• In what ways did Enlightenment philosophies challenge traditional artistic norms?
  • Enlightenment philosophies questioned established norms by advocating for reason and individual expression over tradition. Artists began to reject the ornate styles of Baroque art in favor of simpler forms that emphasized harmony and balance. This shift led to a greater focus on realism and narrative clarity, encouraging artists to depict scenes from everyday life or classical mythology with moral implications, thus reshaping artistic standards and societal expectations.
• Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment thinkers on both the revival of Greek artistic ideals and contemporary perspectives on art.
  • Enlightenment thinkers significantly impacted the revival of Greek artistic ideals by promoting a return to classical sources as models for beauty and virtue. Their emphasis on reason encouraged artists to draw from ancient works while infusing their own ideas about morality and civic duty into their art. This not only shaped Neoclassicism but also laid foundations for contemporary perspectives on art as a vehicle for social critique and personal expression, leading to ongoing dialogues about art's role in society.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, often associated with thinkers like René Descartes.

Humanism:

An intellectual movement focused on human potential and achievements, drawing inspiration from classical texts and emphasizing education and critical thinking.

Neoclassicism: An artistic movement that emerged in the 18th century, characterized by a return to classical themes and styles, influenced heavily by the principles of the Enlightenment.