Art Through the Ages - Essay Example

Imagination should not only form the basis for understanding 19th century art in the context of political, technological and social changes, but it should also help in developing the ability to locate art work in history. It is crucial to consider the convictions, expectations and prejudices of the spectators and artists in art during this historical period. Style refers to the distinguishing manner of producing an artistic object and the way the spectators look at the object. Style is a historian’s extraordinary sphere.

However, because of its subjective assessment, it is rarely used by historians. Style in art provides a useful tool for creating chronology. In art history inquiry, defining artistic style comprise a vital element. Several different types of style exist; regional, period and personal style2. Regional style refers to the usage of variations in style attached to geography. Like the object’s date, its place of origin and providence can determine its character. Artwork from the same location but made ages apart can have similarities, unlike contemporaneous work from differing locations.

For instance, a historian can differentiate Egyptian art from Mexican or Italian art made during the same age. Variations in the two sets of art exist, which make it possible to differentiate the artwork. Through regional style, art in the 19th century can be studied and used to show the ideas and aims of the artists in this period3. In 1820-1860, romanticism and naturalism came out through the work by Delacroix in Liberty Leading the People and in Rude and Corot’s work. Their work portrayed emotional reactions against neo-classicalism.

These artists used nature, patriotism, supernatural, heroism and glorification of the past to show changes in politics, technology and social aspects of life. For instant, peasants were used to show that the society, during this time, was composed of peasants. This means that not many technological advances had been made during this period. The emotional reactions against neo-classicalism also showed the political nature of 1820-1860s. The work by Delacroix, Liberty Leading the People, portrays the emotional hatred of neo-classicalism.

The art also depicted the peasant workers in their farms or homes. The hatred of neo-classicalism and the peasant workers showed political resentment towards neo-classicalism and the lack of technological knowledge and application in daily duties. The work also portrayed hints of patriotism in people, especially in protecting themselves against neo-classicalism4. Realism followed by naturalism came out in 1850-1870s through the works of Daumier, Hogarth and Eiffel. During this period, art portrayed positivism based on facts and not emotions.

Industrial progress had begun to take root during this period. Eiffel designed the Eiffel tower during this period. This signified an age of advancement because man thought of complex achievements. The industrial revolution resulted in changes, in the society, because people could afford food and luxuries after working in the industries. Artists like Eiffel who designed the Eiffel tower explored into the technological world by designing a complex structure that had technological complexities.

The growing steel industry provided material for the construction of his design. This period did not witness much political skepticism as the people had a positive outlook of the political future. The industrial and technological development kept