European Art History (1850-1950)
Part 4: Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Cubism & Modern Art
Lecture 41: Realism—From Daumier to Courbet
Honoré Daumier's Contribution to Realism
Honoré Daumier was an artist whose work primarily spanned lithography, capturing the essence of Parisian life and its societal quirks. His artworks frequently critiqued authority and social norms, embodying a realist approach that unflinchingly depicted the urban condition. Notable among his works are his sharp political caricatures and his poignant social commentaries which include scenes such as the Rue Transnonain massacre. This event, where Daumier illustrates the tragic aftermath of a government crackdown on protestors, showcases his ability to convey profound messages through potent imagery.
Lithography: A Tool for Social Commentary
Lithography, which became a revolutionary printmaking technique in the 19th century, played a significant role in the spread of political and social ideas. Daumier utilized this medium to great effect, producing works that were accessible to the public and which stirred considerable reaction due to their provocative content.
The Shift Towards Realism in the Mid-19th Century
As we progress into the 19th century, artists like Jean François Millet (Full Gallery) and Gustave Courbet (Full Gallery) bring forward the Realism movement, which diverges sharply from the romanticized narratives previously dominant in art. Millet, for instance, in his works such as "The Sower" and "The Gleaners," focuses on rural life with an unembellished truthfulness, highlighting the harsh realities faced by peasants.
Gustave Courbet, another pivotal figure in Realism, challenges the conventional subjects of art with his candid depictions of everyday life and the working class. His painting "A Burial at Ornans" portrays a funeral scene with stark realism, emphasizing the solemnity and routine nature of death, devoid of any romantic or heroic elements.
The Political Influence of Art in the 19th Century
Art in the 19th century was not just a form of expression but also a powerful political tool. Daumier’s "The Republic" and "The Emigrants" reflect the social upheavals and the spirit of revolution pervasive during this era. These works not only depict the realities of societal struggles but also resonate with the emotional and political climates of the time.
Realism's Legacy
The lecture concludes by reflecting on how Realism provided a new lens through which to view the world—a lens that emphasized authenticity, the mundane, and the unvarnished truths of existence. This movement set the stage for future developments in art, paving the way for modern interpretations and the continued use of art as a medium for social and political discourse.
Lecture 42: Manet and Monet—The Birth of Impressionism
1. Édouard Manet and the Break with Tradition
Édouard Manet is often regarded as the precursor to Modernism in art, not because he sought to be overtly modern, but because his work inadvertently heralded the shift. His famous painting, Luncheon on the Grass (1863), challenged traditional norms by depicting contemporary Parisians in a setting that combined a classical composition with a modern-day picnic, creating a provocative juxtaposition that was startling for its time. This painting was rejected by the Salon, leading to its display in the Salon des Refusés, a decision spurred by Emperor Napoleon III in response to public outcry over the numerous rejections that year.
2. Manet's Techniques and Influences
Manet’s technique involved using flat tones and minimal modeling, which emphasized the two-dimensional surface of the canvas, diverging from the detailed, illusionistic styles of the past. His use of black and white hues added dramatic contrasts that highlighted the central figures, enhancing the painting's modern aesthetic. Manet often borrowed elements from Renaissance works, repurposing them in contemporary contexts to critique and reinterpret traditional themes.
3. Manet's "Olympia" and its Impact
Another significant work by Manet, Olympia (1865), portrayed a prostitute, confronting viewers with a direct and unapologetic gaze that challenged societal norms and the depiction of female nudes in art. Like Luncheon on the Grass, Olympia drew on historical artworks, specifically Titian’s Venus of Urbino, but placed the subject in a starkly modern context, further cementing Manet’s role in the evolution of modern art.
4. Claude Monet and the Impressionist Movement
Claude Monet, whose painting Impression: Sunrise inadvertently named the Impressionist movement, demonstrated a different approach to modernity by focusing on light, color, and momentary impressions of the landscape. Unlike Manet, Monet’s work emphasized the transient effects of light and atmosphere, painting en plein air (outdoors) to capture the immediate sensation of the scene.
5. The Innovations of Impressionism
The Impressionist movement, coalescing around Monet and his contemporaries like Renoir and Pissarro, marked a significant break from the past by emphasizing spontaneous, personal responses to nature, rather than the carefully composed, idealized scenes favored by the Academy. This approach was revolutionary, focusing on the effects of natural light and color which would profoundly influence the development of modern art.
Berthe Morisot - Morisot was one of the few female Impressionist painters, known for her intimate portraits, domestic scenes, and depictions of women's lives with a sensitive and delicate touch. (Full Gallery)
Alfred Sisley - Sisley focused on landscapes and river scenes, capturing the effects of light and weather conditions with a keen eye for natural beauty and atmospheric effects. (Full Gallery)
Mary Cassatt - An American painter closely associated with the Impressionists, Cassatt is known for her portraits of women and children, often depicting intimate moments and everyday activities. (Full Gallery)
6. Artistic Responses to Social and Political Contexts
The period during which Manet and Monet worked was marked by significant social and political changes, including the upheavals of the Paris Commune and the Franco-Prussian War. These events influenced the artists directly and indirectly, as seen in Manet’s engagement with contemporary events and Monet’s eventual move to England during the Franco-Prussian War.
Conclusion
In sum, both Manet and Monet were pivotal in the transition towards modern art. Manet’s challenge to traditional content and form, combined with Monet’s development of a style that prioritized immediate visual sensations, helped lay the groundwork for the diverse explorations of style and subject matter that would characterize the modernist era.
Lecture 43: Monet and Degas - Continuation and Contrast
1. Claude Monet's Urban and Rural Themes
Claude Monet skillfully captured the spirit of the modern city and the transformations brought about by the Second Empire’s urban planning. His Rue Montorgeuil, Paris, Celebration of June 30, 1878 vibrantly captures the national celebration mood, illustrating Monet's ability to depict the collective joy and the lively dynamics of urban life. This painting contrasts with his series on the Saint-Lazare Train Station, where Monet focused on modern architecture and the ephemeral effects of steam and light, highlighting the Industrial Age's impact.
2. Monet’s Series Paintings
Monet's series paintings like Haystacks, End of Summer and the Rouen Cathedral series underscore his exploration into the effects of light and time on static subjects. These series allowed Monet to delve deeper into the transient nature of light, capturing the same subjects under different conditions, thus pioneering a method that was both systematic and creatively unrestricted.
3. Giverny: Monet's Living Canvas
At Giverny, Monet crafted a landscape that would become both his home and his subject, culminating in his extensive Waterlilies series. These paintings, particularly the panoramic installations at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, invite the viewer into an immersive environment, blurring the boundaries between the artwork and the spectator, and creating a profound experience of being within the landscape.
4. Edgar Degas’s Focus on Contemporary Life
Edgar Degas differed from Monet in his focus on the social and private aspects of contemporary life, particularly in the Parisian entertainment scene. Unlike Monet’s expansive landscapes and light studies, Degas’s works such as The Dancing Class and Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando explore human figures in motion, capturing backstage moments that convey the physicality and grace of performers beyond the public gaze.
5. Degas's Unique Approach to Composition
Degas’s approach to composition and his exploration of human psychology are evident in works like The Bellelli Family and L’Absinthe. These paintings show a keen observation of interpersonal dynamics and social settings, highlighting Degas's interest in the narrative potential of everyday scenes and the subtle complexities of personal relationships.
6. Techniques and Innovations
Both Monet and Degas contributed significantly to the development of new painting techniques that emphasized spontaneous, direct application of paint and a shift away from traditional subject matter. Monet’s use of vibrant, loose brushstrokes to capture fleeting moments of light contrasts with Degas’s detailed, yet dynamic depictions of figures, showcasing their respective innovations in the treatment of light, color, and form.
Conclusion
The juxtaposition of Monet’s and Degas’s works provides a comprehensive understanding of the diversity within Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Monet’s focus on landscape and light contrasts with Degas’s interest in human activity and interior spaces, both artists pushing the boundaries of traditional painting to include modern life’s dynamic and varied facets.
Lecture 44: Renoir, Pissarro, and Cézanne
1. Auguste Renoir: "Luncheon of the Boating Party" (1881)
Overview: Renoir's response to Impressionism's crisis of object dissolution through concentrated color and form.
Artistic Strategy: Integration of lessons from Titian and Michelangelo, focusing on color harmony and structured composition.
Description: Features a group of figures in a relaxed, outdoor setting, rich in interpersonal connections and vibrant color use.
Significance: The painting exemplifies Renoir’s mastery of capturing joie de vivre through a solid composition and stunning use of color.
2. Camille Pissarro: "L’Ile Lacroix, Effect of Fog at Rouen" (1888)
Overview: Demonstrates Pissarro's subtle handling of light and atmosphere.
Technique: Utilizes a blue-grey palette to blur distinctions between sky and water, emphasizing the enveloping fog.
Structure: Vertical elements like smokestacks and posts provide structural integrity to the ethereal scene.
Legacy: While not producing a singular monumental masterpiece, Pissarro’s consistent output demonstrates his profound impact on Impressionism.
3. Paul Cézanne: Exploration of Personal Vision
Background: Cézanne’s provincial roots and initial legal studies contrast with his profound artistic journey.
Artistic Development: Influenced by Pissarro, yet spent much of his career in Provence, deeply exploring personal themes.
Technique and Vision: Known for his structural analysis of nature through geometric simplification and brushstroke modulation.
4. Cézanne’s Paintings
"Trees and Houses" (c. 1885): Represents his approach to using nature to organize space, creating depth and structure through a foreground screen of trees.
"Mont Sainte-Victoire and the Viaduct of the Arc River Valley" (c. 1885): Uses color and form to connect and simultaneously segregate elements of the landscape, emphasizing a deep spatial analysis.
"Still-Life with Apples and Oranges" (c. 1895–1900): Highlights Cézanne’s ability to animate still life compositions, defying physical laws to emphasize pictorial logic.
5. Cézanne’s Unique Contributions to Modern Art
Innovation in Composition: His still lifes and landscapes blend rigorous structure with a vibrant emotional charge, often using color and form to transcend traditional representational limits.
Personal and Emotional Depth: His portraits, such as "Portrait of Madame Cézanne", reveal a tender, empathetic side to his characteristically robust artistic persona.
Conclusion
This lecture illuminates how Renoir, Pissarro, and Cézanne each uniquely contributed to the Impressionist movement. Renoir with his vibrant social scenes, Pissarro with his atmospheric landscapes, and Cézanne with his deep structural and color analyses, which paved the way for future artistic explorations into Modernism. Each artist, while sharing common Impressionist techniques, displayed a distinct personal style that enriched the diversity and depth of the movement.
Lecture 45: Beyond Impressionism—From Seurat to Matisse
1. Introduction to Post-Impressionism and Fauvism
Context: Post-Impressionism bridges Impressionism with 20th-century modernism, diverging into personal expressions and breaking from shared meanings.
Artists Covered: Georges Seurat, Paul Gauguin, Vincent Van Gogh, and Henri Matisse, who each contributed uniquely to the evolution of modern art.
2. Georges Seurat: "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of the Grande Jatte" (1884–1886)
Technique: Introduction of Pointillism, utilizing small dots of pure color to enhance vibrancy and light effects.
Composition and Themes: The painting features rigidly posed figures, resembling classical frescoes, set in a modern-day leisure scene.
Symbolism: Reflects a social commentary on class and leisure in contemporary Paris, with a timeless, almost static atmosphere achieved through the painting technique.
Other Pointillists
Paul Signac - Signac was a close associate of Seurat and played a crucial role in popularizing Pointillism. He developed his own version of the technique, using smaller dots and a brighter palette to capture light and color in landscapes, seascapes, and urban scenes.
Maximilien Luce: Luce was a French artist who adopted Pointillism and Neo-Impressionism, depicting urban scenes, industrial landscapes, and social themes with vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. (Full Gallery)
Théo van Rysselberghe - A Belgian painter, van Rysselberghe embraced Pointillism and Neo-Impressionism, contributing to its spread beyond France. His works often feature coastal scenes, portraits, and decorative compositions rendered with precise color contrasts. (Full Gallery)
3. Paul Gauguin: Transition to Symbolism
Background: After a career in stockbroking, Gauguin turned to art, influenced by Impressionism but moving towards Symbolism.
Significant Works:
"The Yellow Christ" (1889): Combines real elements with symbolic color to reflect spiritual and physical realms.
"Day of the God" (1894): Painted in Paris but influenced by Tahitian themes; uses vibrant colors and mythological elements to create an exotic Arcadia.
4. Vincent Van Gogh: Expressive and Emotional Depth
Artistic Evolution: Van Gogh developed a unique style characterized by intense colors and dynamic brushwork, focusing on emotional expression.
Key Works:
"The Starry Night" (1889): Represents a pinnacle of his expressive style, blending imagination with nature in a visionary depiction of the night sky.
"The Red Vineyard" (1888): Only known painting sold during his lifetime, notable for its vibrant color and emotive landscape depiction.
5. Henri Matisse: Fauvism and Color Experimentation
Innovations: Matisse’s use of bold, unrealistic colors and simplified forms helped define Fauvism.
Critical Works:
"Portrait of Madame Matisse (The Green Line)" (1905): Illustrates Matisse’s radical use of color for expressive purposes rather than realistic depiction.
"Le Bonheur de Vivre" (The Joy of Life) (1905): A vibrant pastoral scene that encapsulates the ideals of Fauvism with its lush, expressive landscape and joyful subjects.
6. Conclusion: Impact on 20th-Century Art
These artists collectively challenged traditional representations and explored new ways of expressing the modern world through art.
Their innovations paved the way for modern movements and redefined the role of color, form, and subject matter in painting.
Lecture 46: Cubism and Early Modern Painting
Introduction
Focus: Innovations of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse between 1900 and 1920.
Context: Both artists significantly influenced early 20th-century art, evolving styles that impacted their contemporaries and the future of modern art.
1. Pablo Picasso: From Realism to Cubism
Early Years: Born in Malaga, Spain; influenced early by Spanish art and his father's teachings.
Blue Period: Example, The Old Guitarist (1903/1904), showcases elongated forms, intense emotion, and a monochromatic blue palette influenced by El Greco and Spanish Mannerism.
Path to Cubism:
Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907): Marks a departure from traditional forms; influenced by African art and Cézanne’s bather compositions.
Incorporates fragmented forms and explores the complexity of space, leading to the development of Cubism.
2. Development of Cubism
Collaboration with Georges Braque: Focused period of innovation from 1907-1912, where Cubism was formalized.
Characteristics: Analytical approach to form and perspective, breaking objects into geometric shapes.
Key Works:
Factory at Horta de Ebro (1909): Demonstrates early Cubist principles with faceted planes and a limited palette.
Portrait of Ambroise Vollard (1910): Combines fragmented forms with a coherent representation of the subject.
Still Life with Chair-Caning (1912): Introduces collage elements, merging real objects with painted surfaces.
3. Henri Matisse: Color and Form
Evolution alongside Picasso: While Picasso developed Cubism, Matisse explored bold color and form.
Fauvism: Emphasized painterly qualities and strong color over the representational values retained by Impressionism.
Significant Contributions:
Harmony in Red (The Tablecloth) (1908–1909): A vibrant depiction of domestic life, showcasing Matisse’s interest in color and decorative patterns.
The Piano Lesson (1916): A more structured composition reflecting the influence of Cubism on Matisse’s work.
4. Conclusion: The Impact of Picasso and Matisse
Both artists significantly shaped modern art through their innovative approaches to form, color, and perspective.
Their works during this period not only reflect personal artistic evolution but also contributed to broader movements like Cubism and Fauvism, influencing countless artists and the direction of 20th-century art.
This lecture explores how Picasso and Matisse each challenged and transformed the visual arts landscape, marking the transition from traditional to modernist practices in painting.
Lecture 47: Modern Sculpture—Rodin and Brancusi
Introduction
Overview: This lecture explores the transformative contributions of Auguste Rodin and Constantin Brancusi to modern sculpture.
Context: Both sculptors offered divergent paths for the evolution of sculpture into the 20th century, influencing Expressionism, Idealism, and subsequent movements.
1. Auguste Rodin (1840–1917): Expressionism and Innovation
Background: Rodin began as a mason and decorative sculptor before developing a revolutionary sculptural style.
Key Works:
Man with a Broken Nose (1863-1864): Showcases Rodin’s expressive style and anatomical precision.
The Age of Bronze (1877): Notable for its lifelike realism and controversy surrounding its creation.
The Gates of Hell (1880-1887): A monumental work filled with figures from Dante’s Inferno, exemplifying Rodin's deep engagement with literary themes and complex emotional expression.
2. The Gates of Hell: A Closer Look
Composition: Features a multitude of figures, including iconic pieces like The Thinker, which represent deep human emotions and philosophical contemplation.
Influence: Draws from historical and contemporary sources, including Michelangelo and Ghiberti, integrating Rodin’s interest in human psychology and expressive potential of sculpture.
3. Rodin's Impact and Legacy
Burghers of Calais (1884-1889): Represents Rodin’s response to a historical event, emphasizing the emotional and ethical turmoil of the figures.
Approach to Materials: Experimented with different patinas to enhance the textural and visual depth of his sculptures.
Artistic Philosophy: Rodin's work remains a cornerstone of modern sculpture, bridging 19th-century traditions with modernist expression.
4. Constantin Brancusi (1876–1957): Pioneering Abstraction
Background: Romanian-born Brancusi moved to Paris, becoming a key figure in the development of modern, abstract sculpture.
Philosophy: Emphasized simplicity and the essence of forms, influencing Minimalism and abstract art movements.
Key Works:
The Kiss (1916): Contrasts Rodin’s detailed, textured approach with a minimalist, abstract form focusing on the intimacy and unity of the figures.
Bird in Space (1923-1924): Explores aerodynamics and the essence of flight, exemplifying Brancusi's focus on pure form and smoothness.
5. Brancusi’s Innovation in Presentation
Integration with Space: Considered the environment of his sculptures, creating works that interact with their surroundings and viewer perception.
Material Exploration: Used marble, bronze, and wood to explore different textures and light interactions, enhancing the viewer's experience of form and space.
Conclusion
Comparative Legacy: Rodin and Brancusi each represent different responses to the possibilities of sculpture—Rodin through emotive expressionism and Brancusi through reductive abstraction.
Influence on Modern Art: Both artists significantly influenced the direction of 20th-century art, setting the stage for diverse explorations in form, material, and the philosophical potential of sculpture.
This lecture underscores the profound impact of Rodin and Brancusi on the evolution of sculpture, highlighting their divergent approaches to form, emotion, and artistic expression, which continue to inspire contemporary art.
Lecture 48: Art Between Two Wars—Kandinsky to Picasso
Introduction
Scope: This lecture explores the diversity of artistic expressions and movements between WWI and WWII, capturing the tumultuous spirit of the 20th century's early decades.
Artists: Includes Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, Umberto Boccioni, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and others.
This is when high art died and it became a mockery and is revolting and ugly. Most of this does not deserve to be called art.
1. Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944)
Work: Improvisation No. 30 (Cannons) (1913)
Analysis: Though initially resembling abstract art, the piece includes elements like cannons that tie it to the context of impending war. The painting mixes abstraction with subtle figurative elements, suggesting violence and conflict.
2. Marcel Duchamp (1887–1968)
Work: Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2 (1912)
Analysis: Integrates motion studies with Cubist fragmentation, creating a dynamic sense of movement. Duchamp's approach was groundbreaking, challenging traditional views of form and function in art.
3. Umberto Boccioni (1882–1916)
Work: Unique Forms of Continuity in Space (1913)
Analysis: A key example of Futurism, emphasizing speed, technology, and modernity. The sculpture appears to stride into the future, symbolizing the era's technological optimism.
4. Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880–1938)
Work: Self-Portrait as a Soldier (1915)
Analysis: A personal and psychological exploration of war's impact, portraying the artist with a missing hand, symbolizing both physical and psychological wounds.
5. Dada and Marcel Duchamp
Work: Fountain (1917, replicated in 1964)
Analysis: Emblematic of Dada's embrace of the absurd and critique of conventional art norms. Duchamp's ready-made challenged notions of what constitutes art.
6. Surrealism and René Magritte (1898–1967)
Work: The Menaced Assassin (1926)
Analysis: Combines realist technique with surreal content to explore the subconscious and irrational, reflecting Surrealism's interest in dream-like scenarios that defy logical interpretation.
7. Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)
Work: The Dance (1925)
Analysis: An expression of raw emotional energy and turmoil, this painting uses fragmented forms and intense colors to convey a sense of movement and emotional depth.
8. Alberto Giacometti (1901–1966)
Work: Woman with her Throat Cut (1932; bronze cast, 1949)
Analysis: A disturbing depiction of violence and vulnerability, reflecting the darker, existential themes that emerged prominently in art leading up to WWII.
Conclusion
Synthesis: The period between the wars was marked by a proliferation of artistic styles that reflected the era's social, political, and technological changes. From the optimism of Futurism to the critical introspection of Dada and Surrealism, artists responded to the complexities of their time with innovation and depth.
Legacy: These movements set the stage for the later developments in modern art, influencing countless artists and shaping the direction of 20th-century art.
This lecture highlights how profoundly world events can influence artistic expression, revealing both the diversity and the unity of responses across different cultures and artistic philosophies.