Revolution and Evolution: European and American Art (1750–1900)

Neoclassicism

An artistic movement that emphasized reason, order, and civic duty, drawing inspiration from Ancient Greece and Rome.

The Enlightenment

A philosophical movement that emphasized reason and individualism over tradition.

Exemplum Virtutis

Artwork intended to serve as a model of virtue or a moral lesson.

The Oath of the Horatii

A painting by Jacques-Louis David symbolizing patriotism and sacrifice for the state.

Monticello

Thomas Jefferson’s architectural design reflecting Neoclassical principles, symbolizing democracy.

Romanticism

An artistic movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individual experience in response to industrialization.

The Sublime

A key Romantic concept describing feelings of awe mixed with terror, often in nature.

Y no hai remedio

A work by Francisco de Goya depicting the horrors of war and the human cost of violence.

The Slave Ship

A painting by J.M.W. Turner illustrating the brutality of the slave trade using dramatic color.

Realism

An art movement focusing on depicting everyday life and the unvarnished truth, often highlighting the working class.

Daguerreotype

An early photographic process producing a single, detailed image on a metal plate.

Calotype

An early photographic process that allowed multiple reproductions from a paper negative.

The Stone Breakers

A revolutionary painting by Gustave Courbet depicting the dignity of laborers without romanticism.

Olympia

A scandalous painting by Édouard Manet, challenging the representation of women and the male gaze.

Impressionism

An art movement capturing a fleeting moment or impression of a scene, often focusing on light.

Broken Color

A technique used in Impressionism where colors are placed side-by-side to mix optically.

Haussmannization

The transformation of Paris in the mid-19th century that influenced Impressionist artists.

The Saint-Lazare Station

A painting by Claude Monet showcasing modern urban life and the effects of light.

The Coiffure

A work by Mary Cassatt integrating Japonisme with a focus on intimate moments of women.

Post-Impressionism

A movement that sought more structure and emotional depth following Impressionism.

The Starry Night

A painting by Vincent van Gogh expressing emotion through swirling forms and vibrant colors.

Mont Sainte-Victoire

A work by Paul Cézanne focusing on underlying geometric shapes in nature.

The Scream

A symbolic painting by Edvard Munch representing deep emotional anguish.

Impressionism vs Realism

Impressionism captures light and fleeting moments, while Realism focuses on visible everyday truths.

Gustave Courbet

A leading figure of Realism known for his depictions of labor and social issues.

Japonisme

The influence of Japanese art on Western artists, evident in composition and perspective.

Curves vs Lines

Contrasting stylistic traits of Neoclassicism (linear) versus Romanticism (expressive brushwork).