Imaginations, Values, and Emotions Essay

There are wide variations in regard to time periods and genres as far as art works are concerned. It is worth noting that some art works were founded on individuals’ minds or cultural and social influences.

In addition, other art works were as a result of an influence from the features and styles used during previous periods and were a reaction or continuation to the artistic styles. The link between the renaissance and neoclassical art eras will be examined. There will be an analysis and discussion of whether there was a reaction to or continuation between the two art periods.

Renaissance, characteristics, and social conditions that led to the advent

The word renaissance is a French term. It came up during the nineteenth century and elaborates the rebirth of a period that occurred between the fourteenth and seventeenth century.

The artists during this period emulated the works of art from artists before this period. In addition, they incorporated color and light via novel dimensions. During this period, there was innovation of the sense of space and perspective that allowed viewers to view in 3- dimensions. Art was fundamentally inspired by sacred and commissions motivations (Rachels & Rachels, 2007).

Some of the notorious artists during the renaissance art period included Raphael, Leornardo, and Michelangelo. The art works done during this period were elaborated in that they included more than the vanishing point, horizontal line, and linear perspective. The artists during the renaissance art period had a keen interest in the way light hit objects and consequently formed shadows (Rachels & Rachels, 2007).

The light and shadows played a great role in attracting viewers to particular areas on the object. The artists also wanted the viewer to get involved emotionally as he looked at the object and, therefore, get encouragement and faith. The artists also invested greatly in naturalism and realism. For instance, they wanted images of people to appear more realistic. The images were solid and showed real emotions. This made the viewer to start thinking about what the people were feeling or thinking.

Neoclassical, characteristics, and social conditions that led to the advent

Neoclassical art refers to a form of art that was exceptionally unemotional and severe. Its rigidity was closely associated with the Baraque and Rocco styles. It was as a result of the renewed interest arising from the classical period. This was greatly beneficial to a number of revolutions. Romanticism emerged in the 1800s as a reaction to neoclassicism and some of the famous artists during this period included Robert Adam, Bertel Thorvaldsen, and Anton Rapheal Mengs.

The key characteristics of the art works during the neoclassical period included stern heroism, lack of emotions, and seriousness. The artists often used sombre colors and brilliant highlights that portrayed self- sacrifice and self- denial. The neoclassical period had distinct features of the structure and form used during the classical art period.

In addition, there was clarity and realism (Rachels & Rachels, 2007). It is worth noting that similar to the renaissance period that had connections to the social situations and political structure, the neoclassical period had a direct connection to the political events. Neoclassism was linked to the French Revolution beliefs.

Similarities and differences between neoclassical and renaissance art periods

Whereas the artists during the neoclassical period aimed at recreating the classical art period, which was the Romans’ and Greeks’ style, the renaissance period was basically a rebirth. During the renaissance period, people started considering science as a way of answering questions and receiving information. Previously, only religion was used. The neoclassicists were in search of a simple way of thinking that was not chaotic.

Continuation of the previous historical art period

During the neoclassical period, artists wanted to bring about advancements as was the case during the neoclassical period (Rachels & Rachels, 2007). During the two periods, there were great advancements in visual arts, music, painting, and architecture. In addition, the fame associated with artists during the renaissance period continued during the neoclassical period as a result of the artistic philosophies and ideologies experienced.

Specific works

During the renaissance period, Michelangelo came up with a masterpiece referred to as David. In addition, the Psyche Revised by Cupid’s Kiss was created by Antonio Canova. The renaissance art was represented by David through an impression of the political scenario that prevailed. On the other hand, the Psyche Revised by Cupid’s Kiss was a depiction of the artist’s concentration on the classical arts and Romans (Rachels & Rachels, 2007).

Relationship between the works

The two works of art discussed reflect huge artistic developments. Irrespective of the fact that the two periods were a representation of great advancing periods as far as art was concerned, the artists and art purposed on extremely varying things.

During the renaissance period, artists focused on the political systems, social situations, and culture. The art was created from the social conditions that contributed to the political system in Europe. Hence, it is evident that the link between neoclassical and renaissance cannot be underrated.

References

Rachels, J. & Rachels, S. (2007). The elements of moral philosophy (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.