The arts were shaped by the cultural, intellectual and political movements in the 1700s. The American, French revolution as well as the Enlightenment period all set the stage for new thinking. Religion was no longer at the forefront of art nor carried definitive power in politics. The Age of Enlightenment emphasized reason and science, which at times directly contradicted teachings of the church. So this was a period of immense change.
The industrial revolution, the Enlightenment and an increase in trade and travel shifted the economy from the monarch and the church to the middle class. This is apparent in the shift from Rocco style to the somber Neoclassical style.
This painting by Johan Joseph Zoffany entitled, "The Gore Family with George, third Earl Cowper reflects a change in the music scene during this period. Historically, music was a luxury for the upper class, however soon the middle class was able to acquire and learn musical instruments. This oil painting was done on canvas, and was created in 1775.
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ReplyDeleteI really love the painting you used as an example, and I also used the same theme and made a connection to the music. The details are amazing, and I am sure that the lady was not too happy about the wedlock, at least she does not look like it. It is a beautiful art piece and I believe that the connection between art, music and the Rococo era is the best way to describe the growing middle class in the 1700s.
ReplyDeleteInteresting is the art in the background in roman style, which fits to the time of the overall piece, and I like the idea of a different kind of painting in a painting.
However, I would love to see more art pieces and hear about the connection between them.