Morality in Art

    The Classical Era changed the way morality was viewed and accepted in art. It had no significant role in Rococo art however, it played a major role in Neoclassical art. Rococo art emphasized on the "feminized" version of the Baroque style, is associated with the aristocracy. Typically the paintings depict aristocrats or aristocratic leisure-time activities such as courtship rituals, picnics in a harmonious natural environment and excursions to romantic places Typically, Rococo art focused on the enjoyment of the art. While, during the Neoclassical it was very important to make sure the art had good morals. It was meant to inspire people to follow good morals and basically become a respectful and responsible citizen.

Morality in Rococo Art

In the Rococo period, The art piece The Love Letter by Francois Boucher created in 1750 is a good example of the Rococo style and an example of how morals weren’t incorporated. The colors are very pastel and light. In the painting there are no morals that are distinctive enough to elaborate on. The painting shows two girls enjoying their day while the boy is watching. There are no real morals that stand out from the painting. Which is why it is a good example of the Rococo style. While it is pleasing to look at we cannot indicate if there is a morale message being shown.

Morality in Neoclassical Art

For this painting I chose the Oath of the Horatti by David, this painting depicts a man in a red cape holding three swords. To the left of the painting we can see three men standing reaching towards the man holding the three swords. Toward the right side of the man in the red cape are three ladies that appear to be helpless and shielding two children due to some sort of conflict. David’s painting symbolizes a celebration of art, life, and morality of The Ancient Rome. The painting portrays morality through the resolve of self-sacrifice and loyalty over family relations and personal emotion. In addition to its message, the painting was commissioned by Louis XVI and was originally supposed to be used as propaganda. This was supposed to influence soldiers into being the ideal righteous soldier, with duty and discipline as the supreme virtues, and that if needed, they would die for the cause. This virtue was not all black and white, some of the soldiers wanted to return home to their loved ones and family, while others were asked to fight for their ruler.

Aesthetic Appreciation

For both of these painting I think that The Love Letter would be most fitting to hang up on my wall or just to have due to the pastel colors of the piece as well as the use of the colors of green to shade the trees and give focus to the two girls at the center of this painting. I also enjoy the use of the triangular theory that is formed when we look at both those girls.

References:

Khan Academy. “Neoclassical Art.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 27 Jan. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/art/Neoclassicism.

“Neo-Classical Art.” Mark Harden's Artchive: "Neo-Classical Art", Art Prints and Posters, http://www.artchive.com/artchive/neo_classical.html.

Rand, Richard. “The Love Letter.” Art Object Page, National Gallery of Art, https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.46027.html.