Morality and the Art of the Classical Era

Oath of the Horatii, Jacques-Louis David, Oil, 1784-1785

       The Oath of the Horatii depicts three men saluting a man across from them who holds up three swords with both arms raised. In the painting the three Horatii brothers make a pledge to their father that they will fight their three cousins to the death in order to settle a dispute between two cities. The painting is used as a representation for sacrifice. Like many other neoclassical paintings of the time the painting conveys a moral message/ inspiring story.

     

     The painting is rigorously organized. The the pillars in the background splits the painting into three parts. The male figure create rigid, geometric shapes. In contrast, the woman create soft and flowing shapes. The sharp lighting coming in from the left helps add drama to the piece. I also appreciate the simplicity of the colors. The main ones we see (in the clothing), red, yellow, and blue, create a sense of vibrancy and harmony.

Portrait of Madame de Pompadour, François Boucher, Oil, 1756

     The Portrait of Madame de Pompadour depicts an elegant woman, who from the title we know as Madame de Pompadour. She is obviously wealthy, from the ornate furniture shown in the background, the gold accents, and her intricately frilly and detailed dress. The lighting combined with the white color of her skin give it an almost glowing appearance. The blues and pinks Madame de Pompadour herself contrast nicely with the golden and yellows of the background of  I do love the softness rococo has along with its many intricate details.

     Madame de Pompadour was one of François Boucher‘s well known patron. He’s known to paint her on numerous occasions. Madame de Pompadour was a mistress, friend, and advisor to Louis XV. François Boucher is well known for the creation, but also the dissimulation of the rococo style.  He worked in almost every medium. From paints, to porcelain, and even tapestry. Rococo art particularly depicted the upper class and royalty. The figures in the paintings were often depicted in frivolous, superficial, and even suggestive positions and scenes. This did not sit well with the general public and working class, for obvious reasons. I mean, if I saw a line of self commissioned paintings of Joe Biden lounging by a pool surrounded by intricate gold furniture and enjoying a cone of chocolate chocolate chip ice cream I’d probably blow a damn fuse too. Because what does that say about our ruling leaders and the what they’re doing while people struggle to get by and suffer.

     

Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi, Pointing to Her Children as Her Treasures, Angelica Kauffman, Oil, 1785

     Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi, Pointing to Her Children as Her Treasures is a very beautiful, but simple piece. (Though the title itself is quite long winded.) All the figures are very soft. The colors are very warm as well.

During the Neoclassical era interest in science and history rose. Especially history and mythologies concerning Rome. During the neoclassical era the Roman era was seen as the “ideal”. Many painters went to create paintings and sculptures in a Roman style. As stated in Smarthistory, “ This painting is an exemplum virtutis, or a model of virtue.” The scene depicts the scene in the story between Cornelia and another woman. The woman had come to show off her wooden box of jewelry and other precious items, something that one might call treasures. When the woman asks to see Cornelia’s treasures she brings over to her children. The moral of the story is that your most valuable possessions are not your material ones.

Martin, Dana. “Angelica Kauffmann, Cornelia Pointing to Her Children as Her Treasures – Smarthistory.” Smarthistory.org, 7 Jan. 2016, smarthistory.org/angelica-kauffmann-cornelia-pointing-to-her-children-as-her-treasures/.

““Portrait of Madame de Pompadour” by François Boucher – Joy of Museums.” Joy of Museums, 2018, joyofmuseums.com/museums/europe/germany-museums/munich-museums/alte-pinakothek/portrait-of-madame-de-pompadour-by-francois-boucher/.

Stein, Perrin. “François Boucher (1703–1770).” Metmuseum.org, 2019, www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/bouc/hd_bouc.htm. ‌

Black, Claire. “Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii – Smarthistory.” Smarthistory.org, 7 Jan. 2016, smarthistory.org/jacques-louis-david-oath-of-the-horatii/. ‌