1700s Revolution and Art: An Exhibit

Artwork

The Death of General Wolfe (1770)

Benjamin West, an American artist

Location of creation: unknown

The Death of Socrates (1787)

Jacques Louis David, a French Artist

Location of creation: The Salon, Paris

Statue of George Washington (1785-1788)

Jean-Antoine Houdon, a French Artist

Location of creation: Virginia State Capital

The Artist

Benjamin West

An American artist, who is claimed to have been born in Pennsylvania. His earliest paintings emerged when he was just fifteen and believed to be a self taught artist. Later, West found great success for his painting abilities in England. Also known to be a great teacher of many other artist.

Jacques Louis David

A French artist known for his work in neoclassical style art. Many of his works included moral messages, association with the French Revolution, and specifically Napoleon. 

Jean Antoine Houdon

A French neoclassical sculptor, well known for his portraits and statues.

The Art

The Death of General Wolfe (1770)

This piece of artwork is just so very intense, as you are seeing the death of General Wolfe from the artist's perspective. There is great detail that really establishes for viewers the scene of his death during the American revolution. What really catches my eye about this painting is the colors, especially the bright red used and how it contrast with the grey of the smoke above. Also another aspect to the painting that really struck me is how all of his men have such emotionless faces, which is rather strange considering the event that is painted. There is also great use of pattern within the clothing of the men, such as the hat of the man leaning over in the green suit and the strap of his bag. Personally, I don't know if I would care to own my own personal copy of this work. Although it is a great piece, their isn't really a fitting place in my household for it. However, if I were to own a history museum this would be a good piece to include in my American Revolution exhibit. 

How is revolution and art reflected?

This artwork in general is a great example of how the American revolution was a big influence when it came to classical artwork. Many artist such as Benjamin West used events from the American revolution as fuel for ideas when it came to their work. It is very interesting to me how art can be used to preserve and describe historic events such as this one.

The Death of Socrates (1787)

The first thing I noticed when viewing this painting was the strong vignette contrast that is around the edges of the painting. Which, I think definitely has its purpose in moving an observers' focus to the center of the painting. Shading is also very strong when it comes to the stone background of the landscape. Their is an interesting shaped to the hallway which seems to have a person at the end of it, I thought this was cool in the sense that it illustrates a feeling of distance from the rest of the painting and almost makes it 3D. I also always had an interest in artworks that have a greek background to them such as this.

How is revolution and art reflected?

While this isn't art piece directly related to revolution it is an awesome example of the art which was in favor at the time. This art work is considered one of the most known neoclassical pieces, which is why I chose to include it in my exhibit! 

Statue of George Washington (1785-1788)

George Washington is arguable the most known president of the United States and names in our general history. Sculptures are also just super cool, therefore I do really like this artwork for that reason too. The element of texture is very pronounced as you can just see how smoothly it was sculpted. Shape is also a very important element I always notice with sculpture art, there is many different shapes thrown into this statue to make it what it is. It almost gives me a feeling of pride seeing this statue and how it reflects my history as an American.

How is revolution and art reflected?

This statue really reflects revolution during the 1700 for the reason being that George Washington was a huge historic figure during the entirety of the American Revolution. It also is a great example that paintings were not the only form of art that was favored during the classical era, statues as well as architecture were also very favored. Which I think is a very important thing to take note on and reflect on as well. Keeping in mind that this is created by a French artist, it is important to remember that along with the revolution, French painting continued with its political and moral meanings. Which lead to the favor of neoclassiscm as a style.

Zygmont, Bryan. “Benjamin West, The Death of General Wolfe .” Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-americas/british-colonies/colonial-period/a/benjamin-wests-the-death-of-general-wolfe.

“National Gallery of Art.” 18th- And 19th-Century France - Neoclassicism, 2021, www.nga.gov/features/slideshows/18th-and-19th-century-france-neoclassicism.html#:~:text=The%20French%20Revolution%20began%20in,and%20executed%20its%20former%20king.&text=With%20the%20revolution%2C%20French%20painting,the%20style%20known%20as%20neoclassicism.

“The Death of Socrates.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436105.