15.3 The enduring popularity and influence of 19th century artists and their works
6 min read•august 13, 2024
The 19th century was a game-changer for art. Artists pushed boundaries, creating movements like that still wow us today. They tackled big themes and emotions, making art that speaks to people across time and cultures.
These artists weren't just talented - they were innovators. They invented new techniques and approaches that revolutionized how we see and make art. Their lives became legendary, adding to the mystique that keeps us fascinated by their work centuries later.
Popularity of 19th Century Art
Pioneering Roles in Influential Movements
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- 19th century artists played pioneering roles in developing influential artistic movements (, , Impressionism, )
- These groundbreaking movements revolutionized art and laid the foundation for modern and contemporary art
- Artists challenged traditional conventions and introduced new styles, techniques, and subject matter
Universal Themes and Emotional Resonance
- Many 19th century artists created works that resonated with universal human emotions and experiences
- Captured timeless themes (love, loss, beauty, , social issues)
- Enabled their art to maintain relevance and appeal across generations and cultures
- Examples:
- 's expressive brushwork and vibrant colors conveyed intense emotional states ()
- 's sculptures explored the human form and psychological depth ()
Technical Mastery and Innovation
- 19th century artists demonstrated exceptional technical mastery and innovative approaches
- Set new standards of artistic excellence that continue to be admired and emulated
- Pioneered new techniques and materials
- Impressionists captured fleeting effects of light and color through loose, visible brushstrokes
- Post-Impressionists experimented with bold colors, simplified forms, and expressive distortions
- Examples:
- 's series paintings of haystacks and Rouen Cathedral showcased his mastery of capturing changing light conditions
- developed the pointillist technique of applying small dots of pure color to create optical effects ()
Mythologizing Artists' Lives
- The mythologizing of 19th century artists' lives has contributed to their ongoing fascination
- Many artists were portrayed as romantic, heroic figures who struggled for recognition and challenged societal norms
- Biographical legends and anecdotes have enhanced their popular appeal and mystique
- Examples:
- The tortured genius narrative surrounding Vincent van Gogh and his self-inflicted ear injury
- The scandalous love affair between Auguste Rodin and his student Camille Claudel
Institutional Promotion and Canonical Status
- Major museums and cultural institutions have consistently promoted 19th century art
- High-profile exhibitions, permanent collections, and educational programs
- Reinforced its canonical status and popularity
- Inclusion in art historical narratives and academic curricula has solidified the importance of 19th century art
- Examples:
- The Musée d'Orsay in Paris is dedicated to 19th century art and attracts millions of visitors annually
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has a renowned collection of 19th century European paintings and sculptures
Reproduction and Dissemination
- The widespread reproduction and dissemination of 19th century artworks has expanded their reach
- Prints, posters, and digital media have made famous works widely accessible and recognizable
- Ubiquitous presence in popular visual culture (advertising, film, design) has cemented their iconic status
- Examples:
- 's has been reproduced on countless posters, calendars, and consumer products
- 's paintings have been referenced and parodied in films, television, and contemporary art
Reception of 19th Century Art
Initial Shock and Scandal
- Initial responses to 19th century art movements were often marked by shock, scandal, and derision
- Conservative critics and audiences rejected the unconventional styles and subject matter as crude, unfinished, or morally offensive
- Example: Édouard Manet's (1863) sparked outrage for its frank depiction of a nude prostitute confronting the viewer
Embrace as Symbol of Modernity
- As 19th century artistic innovations gained acceptance, they were increasingly embraced as symbols of , progress, and individual expression
- Avant-garde art came to be seen as a liberating force, challenging academic traditions and reflecting the dynamism of modern life
- Example: The Impressionists' light-filled, spontaneous paintings captured the experience of the rapidly modernizing city and its leisure activities
Modernist Reappraisals
- In the early 20th century, 19th century art was often positioned as a foil to the radical experimentation of modernist movements
- Alternately revered as a foundation and rebelled against as a constraining tradition
- Modernists selectively appropriated and reinterpreted elements of 19th century art to suit their own aesthetic and ideological agendas
- Example: Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque's Cubist still lifes deconstructed the illusionistic space and solid forms of 19th century painting
Post-WWII Reassessments
- Post-WWII reassessments of 19th century art by scholars and critics emphasized its formal innovations and sociopolitical dimensions
- New lines of interpretation emerged, focusing on the subversive potential and historical contexts of 19th century works
- Example: Feminist art historians reexamined the role of women artists and the gendered politics of representation in 19th century art
Social Art History and Postcolonial Perspectives
- The rise of social art history in the late 20th century brought greater attention to issues of class, gender, and colonialism in 19th century art
- Complicated its meaning and legacy by revealing power dynamics and marginalized voices
- Postcolonial perspectives have highlighted the Eurocentrism of 19th century art and its role in imperial projects
- Example: Orientalist paintings by artists like have been critiqued for their exoticizing and stereotypical depictions of non-Western cultures
Global Reception and Reinterpretation
- Global perspectives on 19th century art have highlighted its role in shaping international artistic discourses
- 19th century European art was appropriated, reinterpreted, and contested by artists and audiences across cultures
- Transnational exchanges and encounters generated new forms of cultural hybridity and resistance
- Example: Japanese ukiyo-e prints influenced the compositional strategies and color palettes of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, while also serving as a model for woodblock printing in the Meiji period
Influence of 19th Century Art
Art Market and Collecting Practices
- The skyrocketing prices achieved by iconic 19th century artworks at auction have made them coveted trophies
- Sought after by wealthy collectors and prestigious museums as markers of status and cultural capital
- The lucrative market has incentivized forgeries and fueled debates around authenticity and connoisseurship
- Scientific analysis plays an increasing role in attribution and valuation
- The concentration of masterpieces in major museums has limited the supply of top works, driving up their value
- Spurred the growth of private collections as an alternative to public institutions
- Example: Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi, though not 19th century, exemplifies the astronomical prices and controversy surrounding attribution in the art market
Blockbuster Exhibitions and Museum Strategies
- Blockbuster exhibitions featuring 19th century artists have become reliable draws for museums
- Shape institutional programming, marketing strategies, and revenue streams
- Museums compete for loans of key works and organize traveling exhibitions to maximize audience reach and press coverage
- Exhibitions often focus on a single iconic artist or a major theme, providing an accessible entry point for the public
- Example: The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has organized numerous international touring exhibitions of Vincent van Gogh's work, drawing record crowds and generating significant income
Revival of Interest in Lesser-Known Artists
- The art market's speculative interest in undervalued 19th century artists has led to periodic reassessments and revivals
- Scholars, dealers, and collectors seek to identify overlooked talents and rediscover marginalized figures
- Particularly women artists and artists of color who faced historical exclusion and discrimination
- Exhibitions, publications, and sales campaigns can dramatically reshape an artist's reputation and market value
- Example: The rediscovery and promotion of the African American landscape painter Robert S. Duncanson in the late 20th century, with major exhibitions and scholarship reevaluating his contributions
Global Expansion of the Art Market
- The expansion of the art market to new global centers has fueled international demand for 19th century art
- Seen as a blue-chip investment and a marker of refined taste
- Collectors and institutions in Asia, the Middle East, and other regions have become major players in the market for 19th century art
- The globalization of the art world has also sparked debates around cultural patrimony, repatriation, and the circulation of cultural objects
- Example: The acquisition of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by Japanese collectors and museums in the late 20th century, reflecting the country's economic boom and cultural aspirations
Key Terms to Review (30)
A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte: A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte is a famous painting by Georges Seurat, created between 1884 and 1886. This work is considered a landmark in the development of Pointillism and exemplifies Post-Impressionist techniques, characterized by the use of small dots of color to create a cohesive image. Its significance extends beyond artistic technique, as it reflects social themes of leisure and modern life during the late 19th century.
Aestheticism: Aestheticism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the importance of beauty, art for art's sake, and sensory experiences over moral or political themes. This movement marked a shift away from the dominant societal norms and focused on the pursuit of beauty as a primary purpose of art, influencing various artistic styles and philosophies.
Auguste Rodin: Auguste Rodin was a French sculptor known for his expressive and emotive works that contributed significantly to the transition from traditional sculpture to modern forms. His innovative techniques and focus on human emotion established him as a key figure in both Romantic and Impressionist sculpture, influencing generations of artists who followed. Rodin’s ability to capture the essence of the human condition made his work enduringly popular and relevant in the context of 19th century art.
Avant-garde: Avant-garde refers to innovative and experimental ideas, particularly in the arts, that challenge traditional norms and conventions. This term often embodies a spirit of rebellion and a desire to push boundaries, representing movements that are ahead of their time. It is closely associated with the works of artists who sought to redefine artistic expression and societal perspectives during the 19th century.
Chiaroscuro: Chiaroscuro is an artistic technique used to create a strong contrast between light and dark, enhancing the three-dimensionality of forms and the dramatic quality of a composition. This method plays a crucial role in emphasizing depth, volume, and mood, making it a fundamental aspect of various art movements, particularly Neoclassicism and Impressionism.
Claude Monet: Claude Monet was a French painter and a founding figure of Impressionism, an art movement that sought to capture the effects of light and color in everyday scenes. His work emphasized the beauty of nature and the transient qualities of light, often depicting landscapes, gardens, and water scenes with loose brushwork and vibrant palettes. Monet's artistic innovations profoundly influenced the development of modern art.
édouard manet: Édouard Manet was a French painter who played a pivotal role in the transition from Realism to Impressionism in the 19th century. His works often depicted modern life and challenged traditional artistic conventions, reflecting the social issues and everyday experiences of his time.
Exposition Universelle: The Exposition Universelle, or World Fair, was a large international exhibition held in various cities, primarily in Europe, to showcase achievements in art, culture, technology, and industry. These events played a pivotal role in reflecting the social and political climate of the 19th century while influencing art movements and promoting colonial perspectives.
Georges Seurat: Georges Seurat was a French painter and a key figure in the development of the Post-Impressionist movement, known for his innovative technique called Pointillism. His work emphasized color theory and optical effects, creating images through the use of tiny dots of color, which ultimately influenced the direction of modern art.
Impasto: Impasto is a painting technique where paint is laid on the canvas very thickly, often creating a textured surface that stands out from the background. This method allows artists to add depth and dimension to their works, emphasizing brushstrokes and the physicality of the paint itself. The use of impasto became especially prominent among various artists during the late 19th century, contributing significantly to the evolution of expressive styles in art.
Impressionism: Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its focus on capturing light, color, and everyday scenes through loose brushwork and an emphasis on the effects of natural light. This movement marked a significant shift in the art world, as it broke away from traditional artistic conventions and sought to depict the momentary impressions of a scene rather than realistic details.
Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant economic, technological, and social change that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, marked by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized and urban ones. This transformation greatly influenced artistic movements and practices, as artists began to respond to the rapidly changing world around them.
Industrialization: Industrialization refers to the process of transforming an economy from primarily agricultural to one based on the manufacturing of goods. This shift not only changed the way products were made but also had profound effects on society, culture, and art during the 19th century, influencing various artistic movements and architectural innovations.
Jean-Léon Gérôme: Jean-Léon Gérôme was a prominent French painter and sculptor known for his realistic and highly detailed works that often featured historical, mythological, and Oriental themes. His style is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, vibrant colors, and dramatic compositions, making him a significant figure in the context of 19th-century art movements.
Luncheon of the Boating Party: Luncheon of the Boating Party is an iconic painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, created in 1880-1881, depicting a lively outdoor gathering of friends enjoying a meal on a terrace. This artwork is significant as it embodies key characteristics of Impressionism, particularly the focus on social interaction and the celebration of leisure in modern life.
Modernity: Modernity refers to the cultural, social, and economic changes that emerged in the wake of the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution, fundamentally reshaping society's values, practices, and artistic expressions. It is characterized by a shift towards reason, science, individualism, and secularism, reflecting the new realities of urbanization and technological advancement.
Nature: Nature refers to the physical world and its phenomena, often embodying beauty, inspiration, and emotion in art. Throughout various artistic movements, it has served as a source of reflection and exploration of human emotion, individuality, and spirituality, bridging the gap between the internal human experience and the external environment.
Olympia: Olympia is a groundbreaking painting created by Édouard Manet in 1863, depicting a nude woman reclining on a couch while boldly staring at the viewer. This artwork stands out as a significant departure from traditional representations of the female form in art, challenging social norms and aesthetic conventions of the time. Olympia's portrayal of the subject as confident and assertive highlights the evolving perception of women in society and the role of artists in shaping these perceptions.
Orientalism: Orientalism refers to the portrayal of Eastern cultures and societies by Western artists and intellectuals, often characterized by exoticism, romanticism, and stereotypes. This concept is crucial in understanding how 19th-century art reflected and shaped Western perceptions of the East, influencing cultural identity, colonial attitudes, and artistic trends during that period.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Pierre-Auguste Renoir was a prominent French painter known for being one of the leading figures of the Impressionist movement. His works are celebrated for their vibrant light, rich color palette, and joyful portrayal of everyday life, especially focusing on social interactions and the beauty of women, connecting deeply with the themes and influences of 19th-century art.
Plein air painting: Plein air painting is an artistic technique that involves painting outdoors, capturing the effects of natural light and atmosphere directly from the landscape. This approach allows artists to observe and depict the changing qualities of light and color in real-time, creating a sense of immediacy and spontaneity in their works.
Post-Impressionism: Post-Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against the naturalism of Impressionism, focusing on more symbolic content, emotional expression, and the use of vivid colors. It sought to move beyond the fleeting impressions of light and color emphasized by Impressionists, introducing a deeper exploration of form and structure.
Realism: Realism is an artistic movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on depicting everyday life and ordinary people with an emphasis on accuracy and truthfulness. This movement marked a departure from romanticism, seeking to portray subjects in a realistic manner, often addressing social issues and the conditions of life in contemporary society.
Romantic nationalism: Romantic nationalism is a cultural and political ideology that emphasizes the connection between a nation and its cultural heritage, expressing pride in national identity through art, literature, and music. This movement emerged in the 19th century as artists and thinkers sought to evoke emotions tied to nature, history, and folklore, contributing to a growing sense of national consciousness among people.
Romanticism: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century and flourished throughout the 19th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the sublime aspects of nature. It emerged as a response to the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the constraints of Neoclassicism, influencing various art forms and expressing a deep connection to personal experience and imagination.
The salon: The salon refers to an official exhibition of artworks held in France, particularly the Paris Salon, which became a significant cultural event in the 19th century. These exhibitions showcased the works of established and emerging artists, shaping artistic trends and public taste. Salons were pivotal in determining which artworks received recognition and influenced the direction of art movements during this period.
The Starry Night: The Starry Night is an iconic oil painting by Vincent van Gogh created in June 1889, depicting a swirling night sky filled with vibrant stars over a tranquil village. This masterpiece is often regarded as one of the most famous works in Western art, representing the emotional intensity and innovative style characteristic of Post-Impressionism, which marked a departure from earlier artistic conventions and emphasized personal expression.
The Thinker: The Thinker is a renowned sculpture created by Auguste Rodin, representing a man in deep contemplation. This iconic piece is often interpreted as a symbol of philosophy and the human condition, encapsulating the struggle of thought and introspection. The statue captures the essence of human emotion and intellectual pursuit, which resonates strongly with the Romantic ideals of individuality and self-expression as well as the Impressionist movement's emphasis on capturing fleeting moments and emotions.
Urban life: Urban life refers to the lifestyle, culture, and experiences of people living in cities. This term encompasses the social dynamics, economic activities, and artistic expressions that arise in densely populated areas, particularly during periods of rapid industrialization and urbanization, such as the 19th century. The influence of urban life is evident in the works of artists from this era, who captured the essence of city life and its complexities in their art.
Vincent van Gogh: Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter known for his vivid colors and emotional depth, which profoundly influenced modern art. His innovative style and expressive brushwork reflect the emotional turmoil he experienced in life, establishing him as a pivotal figure in 19th-century art and a precursor to modern expressionism.