Romantic Era
Impressionism:
This artwork is called, "The Ball at Moulin de la Galette," by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. France, 1876.
This artwork is called, "Rue Montorgueil in Paris. Celebration of June 30, 1878," by Claude Monet. Paris, France; 1878.
Both of these pieces capture the vibrancy of life during that century. The artists of these paintings use loose brush strokes and really use light and color to create an uplifting and joyful feeling regarding the environment these paintings convey. Both paintings perfectly elicit a sense of celebration and excitement. These paintings evoke emotions of happiness, excitement, joy, confidence, love, and provides a sense of togetherness and freedom.
The intention of these artists is to capture the experience and the moment in which these paintings are taking place. These artists seek to show life, celebrations, etc. They sought to provide a fresh visual experience which I appreciate because I love the emotions these pieces elicit, and I like the imperfect brush strokes used to get the final product. I think the bright colors are a refreshing break from the more dull, traditional paintings. This style is a reminder to live in the moment!
Realism:
This artwork is called, "The Floor Scrapers," by Gustave Caillebotte. Paris, France; 1875.
This artwork is called, "The Lady of Shalott," by John William Waterhouse. England, UK; 1849.
These artworks both show very much attention to detail as opposed to the impressionism pieces. They both focus on being able to correctly present the subjects they are painting. The colors and contrast help bring a realistic look and feeling to the piece. The feelings these paintings evoke include peace, calmness, and mystery regarding the 'Lady of Shalott,' and focus, determination, and exhaustion in the 'Floor Scrapers.'
The intentions of these artists is to show real depictions of their subjects and models. They seek to tell the truth through their artwork and convey the real, in-person look and feel of the painting. These artists really portray honesty through their pieces and accurately depict everyday life in many different forms. I like this style, less so than impressionism, but because it is true and clear. I can appreciate the truth in their work, and it provides a feeling of similarity and relevance to my life and I'm sure others can relate in some way also.
Conclusion:
I really enjoy all of these artworks, but they are very different from each other which is why I chose these styles. The impressionism being more free, loose, colorful, with no bounds, and with realism being more controlled, dull, truthful, and tight lined. Impressionism and realism are both beautiful because they convey life in different aspects, realism showing your day-to-day activities and impressionism showing those more exciting and sought after moments in life. I like both styles, but impressionism is more my style just because I really like the colors and excitement shown in those paintings.
References:
Brandon. (2013, April 28). Bal Du Moulin de la Galette by Pierre-Auguste Renoir facts & history. Totally History. https://totallyhistory.com/bal-du-moulin-de-la-galette/
Gurney, T. (n.d.). The floor scrapers. The Floor Scrapers by Gustave Caillebotte. https://www.thehistoryofart.org/gustave-caillebotte/floor-scrapers/
The rue montorgueil in Paris by Claude Monet. (n.d.). https://www.claude-monet.com/the-rue-montorgueil-in-paris.jsp
Tate. (1888, January 1). “the lady of shalott”, John William Waterhouse, 1888. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/waterhouse-the-lady-of-shalott-n01543
Hi Olivia, I also did impressionism and realism. I like how you explained impressionism as having more "freedom" and a "visual experience". I agree with those definitions, they are bold and new, but i also like realism for its structure and how similar it is to the natural world. Realistic strived to create exactly what they saw before them and the way society shifted, there was more focus on the working class rather than painting the aristocrats in elaborate costumes. It is much more natural and simple. I think you did well to describe the emotion and intention that is seen and felt when looking at each of these paintings.
ReplyDeleteHello Olivia, I really enjoy how you emphasize on the emotions that are inspired by these paintings. Within Impressionism, the hasty and impassioned brush strokes really do bring out a sense of motion in the paintings. The social buzz and energy in both Impressionism works fills a viewer with a lively and gleeful emotion. I also agree with your perspective on Realism art, on how the art in this style was more focused on capturing exact representations and the truths of depicted figures. You have a lovely and precise way with descriptive language. Do any of the artworks here move you so deeply that you would like to see them in your home?
ReplyDeleteRealism is honestly one of my favorite styles of art. The realism of the setting creates a genuine sense of peering into different eras. With realism, you have the ability to incorporate deeper meanings and convey narratives.
ReplyDeleteHi Olivia, The Rue Montorgueil in Paris by Claude Monet is a fantastic painting that I would adore to have a print of. I couldn't agree more with your take on the positive outlook of the Impressionist movement. Painted in the aftermath of France's defeat in the face of Prussia, it symbolizes all the hopes and dreams of the French people's recovery. Ultimately pushing us as the viewer to envision a better future than the past. Juxtapose that with Caillebotte's Floor Scrapers, and the idolization of the present, everyday man. "Focus, determination, and exhaustion," are revealed within this work as Caillebotte sought to display a realistic, and traditional piece of art through his appreciation of the seminude male.
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