Age of Enlightenment

Definition

The Age of Enlightenment, spanning the late 17th to the 18th century, was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emphasized reason, science, and individualism over tradition. This period encouraged critical thinking and skepticism towards established norms, influencing art, politics, and society. Its ideals inspired artists and sculptors to pursue rationality and moral clarity in their works, particularly reflected in neoclassical sculpture, which sought to revive classical ideals of beauty and virtue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Enlightenment fostered a shift from feudalism to modern democratic ideas, laying the groundwork for revolutions in America and France.
2. Key figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant challenged traditional authority and promoted ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
3. Neoclassical sculpture during this time often depicted themes from classical mythology, emphasizing moral messages and virtues aligned with Enlightenment ideals.
4. Artists like Antonio Canova and Jean-Antoine Houdon created sculptures that reflected the Enlightenment's focus on human anatomy, proportion, and beauty derived from classical art.
5. The movement's emphasis on reason led to a decline in the popularity of baroque styles, which were seen as overly ornate and irrational compared to the simplicity favored by neoclassical artists.

Review Questions

• How did the Age of Enlightenment influence the themes depicted in neoclassical sculpture?
  • The Age of Enlightenment significantly influenced neoclassical sculpture by promoting themes of reason, morality, and civic virtue. Artists embraced classical antiquity as a model for creating works that reflected rationality and ethical standards. Sculptors like Canova emphasized simplicity and clarity in their pieces, often choosing subjects that conveyed moral lessons or celebrated heroic figures from mythology, thus aligning with Enlightenment ideals.
• In what ways did the philosophical ideas of the Age of Enlightenment manifest in the works of prominent neoclassical sculptors?
  • Philosophical ideas from the Age of Enlightenment manifest in neoclassical sculptors through their commitment to rational aesthetics and moral messaging. Sculptors incorporated classical forms and figures to illustrate themes like heroism and sacrifice, reflecting Enlightenment ideals about individual achievement and societal contribution. This adherence to classical principles served as a counter to the excesses of baroque art, showcasing clarity and balance that resonated with contemporary thought leaders.
• Evaluate the impact of the Age of Enlightenment on society at large through its influence on neoclassical sculpture and its broader implications for art and culture.
  • The impact of the Age of Enlightenment on society was profound, especially through its influence on neoclassical sculpture. This movement helped redefine artistic standards by prioritizing reasoned thought over tradition, shaping a new cultural landscape that valued intellectual inquiry. As neoclassical art promoted ideas of democracy, ethics, and human potential, it not only transformed artistic expression but also inspired social reforms, contributing to shifts towards modernity in various facets of life beyond art.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and should guide thought and action.

Humanism:

An intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements, emphasizing classical education and values from ancient Greece and Rome.

Enlightened Despotism: A form of absolute monarchy in which rulers were influenced by Enlightenment ideas and implemented reforms based on reason and justice.