The Growing Economic Power of the Middle Class in the 1700's

Hudson Parker

Art F200X

7/27/21


The Growing Economic Power of the Middle Class

    The Classical Era of art was influenced by many outside powers. These included growing political powers, the return of aristocracy, revolutions, the rise of the middle class, and the Enlightenment.

    The revolutions that were happening throughout Europe and America, combined with an increase in travel due to the ever-growing industrial revolution began to directly impact a shift in power during the 1700s. The change from art that was influenced by the monarchy and church to the middle class and aristocracy was on its way. This power shift led to artists working for the average man, instead of for the Church or a rich monarchy. The artists soon began to change their art to reflect the inner workings of the middle class. 

Neoclassical vs Classical

    I figured I would bring this up at the beginning of this blog to keep from confusing anyone. While it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact differences between classical and neoclassical artwork, it is worth noting that the key difference is timing. Both are art movements that have roots in Greek and Roman art, but classical art is the art that happened during the height of these eras, while also having a brief revival during the European Renaissance, while classical artwork is that which happened in defiance of Rococo artwork, and after 1760 (Xichuan, 2015).

The Transition of Art

    The transition from Rococo Art to Classical Art is the easiest way to see how the Classical Era affected the art of the 1700s. Rococo Art was always a direct reflection of the wealth and leisure that the aristocracy was known for. With its pastel colors, curving forms, and light subject matter, it often showed the leisure and power that you would imagine wealthy people of the time to have(Comparison and Contrast between Rococo and Neoclassical Style, 2013).

Rococo

    Jean-Honore Fragonard's, The Swing, oil on canvas, 1767 is a great example of Rococo artwork. The painting shows a girl being pushed on a swing by an unknown man as her lover hides in a bush while looking up her skirt. The use of pastel colors and loose brush strokes that you can see in her dress is reflective of the style that was popular during the Rococo art time. The fact that the subject matter is directly focused on leisure shows the direct connection with the Rococo period. 

    Something that stands out to me is that Fragonard painted The Swing in London with the intention of flattering the Baron and his mistress, to supply them with a lighthearted, frivolous painting and to provide an intimate memento of their relationship. I think it's neat that his biggest influence for making this painting was to keep in touch with someone. 

    I feel that this painting is exactly why there was such an extreme change in artwork with the growth of the middle class. It shows what the middle class despised and wanted to change. The glutinous, lustful ways of thinking were over. It was now time for the middle class to push the neoclassical style. 


Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Swing, oil on canvas, 1767

Classical

    The disgust that the middle class had for the rich is what led to the Neoclassical movement. Rococo's flamboyant and sensual artwork was seen by many as a reflection of gluttony and a decline of morals. Due to the middle class now earning more money, and in turn, more power, they were able to change art. 

    In contrast to Rococo art, Neoclassical art showed a moral virtue and often showcased good deeds, sacrifices, and heroism. The Greek and Roman stories that were often reflected in the artwork were often ideas that the middle-class man could relate to. 

    A great example of the somber tone, subject matter, straight lines, and simple backdrop common in the classical era can be seen in the painting by Nicolas Poussin, Et in Arcadia Ego, 1637-1638 that was done in France. Nicolas Poussin was the leader of the classical era and even though he wasn't around to see the peak of the Neoclassical period, I feel that he still needs to be mentioned, as many artists of the Neoclassical era used his work as an influence to carry it onward. 


Nicolas Poussin, Et in Arcadia Ego, 1637-1638

    A great depiction of the middle class in the neoclassical movement is Angelica Kauffman's Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi, Pointing to her Children as Her Treasures, 1785 that was painted in London. Aside from paintings that looked nice and were a subject matter for discussion on their walls, the middle class wanted more from art. The middle class wanted a moral and wise message to be seen in their art. Angelica's art shows one woman being surrounded by children and another woman admiring her earthly treasures. This sign of redacting the wealthy for a more homely image shows the beauty of the Neoclassical era and the growth of the middle class. 

    This artwork really stands out to me because of the message that is shown toward worldly possessions. It shows us that while it may not be important to own many earthly desires, it is important for us to emphasize children and family. 


Angelica Kauffman's Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi, Pointing to her Children as Her Treasures, 1785





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