The late Baroque and Rococo eras of design were obsessed with opulence and wealth. The palace at Versailles is the perfect example of just how far the rich and powerful went to enjoy their “God-ordained” power. The entirety of French nobility lived together at Versailles from 1682 to 1789. The separation from the people of France began the downfall of the absolute monarchy. Rococo is well known for their soft pastel colors and over-the-top intricate gold work.
The Hall of Mirrors, Louis Le Vau, 1864: Palace of Versailles
The Neoclassic era arose in opposition to the extravagance of Rococo and the selfindulgent lifestyle it stood for. In contrast, it was modeled after their idea of virtue, that art should model the ideal values for society, therefore changing society into a perfect, just world. They turned to the Greeks and Romans for inspiration in profile, lines, and color; Designs were created utilizing the studies of math, science, history and the body. These mentalities also continued into the Victorian era of modesty in clothing and lifestyle.
The U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images
And then Romanticism arose in a revolt of the strictness of Neoclassicism. The movement put all the emphasis on the importance of feelings and emotions. Romanticism found its voice through all mediums giving birth to works like this wonderful painting, to publications such as Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, a masterpiece that addresses such Romantic topics as the needs and nature of humanity. Spurred on by the French revolution Romanticism addressed the raw needs and desires of humankind, problems like freedom, justice, and what they wanted the future of mankind to look like.
Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog, 1818
Romanticism evolved into Realism when the world again erupted into revolution as the European Democratic Revolutions of 1849. Considered to be the beginning of modern art, the Realest movement was the first to consider normal people a worthy subject for artwork. Centered around the structure of life economically, politically, and culturally this movement was not afraid to address the nitty gritty parts of life, war, and philosophy.
Gustave Courbet, A Burial at Ornans , 1849-50
Romanticism evolved into Realism when the world again erupted into revolution as the European Democratic Revolutions of 1849. Considered to be the beginning of modern art, the Realest movement was the first to consider normal people a worthy subject for artwork. Centered around the structure of life economically, politically, and culturally this movement was not afraid to address the nitty gritty parts of life, war, and philosophy.
Claude Monet, Impression Sunrise, 1873
Impressionism happened right afterward. This art movement was unlike everything that came before it, the use of loose brushstrokes and the invention of the “Plein Air” technique. In architecture, Impressionism brought about the redesign of Paris by Georges-Eugène Haussmann. He went outside of the box and used steel and glass to transform the public face of Paris. In architecture, Impressionism brought about the redesign of Paris by Georges-Eugène Haussmann. He went outside of the box and used steel and glass to transform the public face of Paris.
Georges-Eugène Haussmann, Rendering, 1853
Post-Impressionism took the themes of impressionism and ran with it, expanding in any and every direction. All of these artists who participated took it in a very personal direction, art styles ranging from Pointillism and abstract works to very realistic, almost classical looking works. This art style dawned during the “Belle Epoque” golden age of art, writing and design with authors like Ernest Hemmingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
George Seurat, Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, 1884-86
Until we finally reach the Bauhaus! The Bauhaus emphasizes function over form, trying to make things work as well and look as good as they possibly can. Utilizing the basics of fundamental geometric forms, they designed easily producible goods that will last a long time and make a beautiful addition to a home. The Bauhaus abandoned many aspects of traditional art education and focused on making their goods producible but not soulless. Bauhaus was a cornerstone to modern industry and design, leading to the system we have in place today.
Marianne Brandt, the Tea Infuser, 1924