Classical Art and Morality

Morality and the Arts

Rococo vs Neoclassical

Rococo-style art is ethereal and mystic, almost like a haze is cast over it. Neoclassical art, on the other hand, has a more real, heroic feel. Lovers and nude figures can be seen in many Rococo paintings, whereas war scenes and historical figures can be seen in many Neoclassical paintings. This is a prime example of how morality differs between the two styles. 

    A shift was seen during the Enlightenment, which called for more morally depicted artwork showing humans at their most noble. (Smart) 

The Toilette of Venus (1751) by Francois Boucher (1703-1770)

The Toilette of Venus is currently on display at The Met. In the painting, we see Venus being adorned by putti with jewelry, (showing her vanity for beautiful things). The painting is classified as a Rococo painting with its use of voluptuous flesh, pastel colors, and asymmetrical unfurling of furniture, flowers, fabric, and pearls. (Met)

The use of pastel colors, adds to the ethereal feel of this painting of the Goddess Venus. 

The use of lines is sharper in objects such as drapes and furniture, giving them a solid feel compared to the figures which glow with softness. Softer lines and gentle curves are used in the figures giving them a light and airy feel as if they are floating over the furniture. 

The tone remains consistent throughout the painting and collectively brightens as your eyes fall onto the center.

Texture is used in this painting to showcase the differences in the fabrics used. It also adds depth to the chair head and vases at the end of the chair. 

The Swing (1767) by Jean-Honore Fragonard (1732-1806)

A student of Boucher, Fragonard is known for painting erotic subject matters during the Rococo-style era. This is seen in his famous The Swing, where two lovers are shown taking part in lustful activities. Statues of cherub look on in curiosity and disgust, while the taller one symbolizes the secret affair. (Artble) The male lover is shown hiding in the bushes, awaiting his lover to swing above him and spread her legs in a game of peek-a-boo, while her husband in the shadows pushes her. This is a perfect example of the lewd morality of humans that was often shown in Rococo artwork.

The pastel colors are true to the Rococo style and cause the mistress to stand out as the centerpiece.

The flow of the painting aligns with the dominant diagonal line that the two lovers make up together. 

Tone shifts, with the center being light and carefree, and the outer edges being more cynical. The darkest is the husband pushing his carefree mistress. 

Figures are drawn with soft lines and curves this is typical of the Rococo style.

Texture is used for the lace on the dress and the nature around it, like the white flowers.

The Swing can be found at The Wallace Collection in London.

Mary Tisdal Reading (1771) by Angelica Kauffmann (1741-1807)

Mary Tisdal Reading is a painting from the Neoclassical period by Angelica Kauffmann. It can currently be found at the Joslyn Art Museum. 

Compared to works done in the Rococo style, this piece has planned balance throughout, where everything fits together perfectly. Mary is also painted in a "lady-like" pose in modest clothing, compared to the ladies in Rococo paintings who are usually in lewd positions or settings. The book she is reading, along with the cozy sheep adds to the tranquil scene. The setting also has a real feel to it, as if you could stumble upon her at this moment at any time walking through the meadow. 

The colors are not as flamboyant and serve to complement each other as you move through the piece.

Texture is used to differentiate the greenery from each other. 

Continuous lines and curves help to bring the fabric of the dress and robes together, giving them the rumpled look of a lady reading in the meadow all day. With this, it also aids in giving her a beautiful form of the female body.

Rectangles are used to give shape to the natural step and wall she is leaning against.

A light tone is used throughout the whole painting.

Personal Thoughts

Each painting is beautiful, and all deserve their right to be on display in museums for all to see. If I could own one of these paintings, I would pick Mary Tisdal Reading by Angelica Kauffman. This one stood out to me the most because I could picture myself as Mary reading in that meadow. I love to read, especially in a peaceful spot such as that. I would love to have this painting on display in my living room near my couch where I do most of my reading. The longer I gaze at the painting, the more I feel like I am sitting right next to her. 

The Swing and The Toilette of Venus are both beautiful paintings, however, they are too tasteless in theme for me and are not something I would personally want to own.

 Works Cited

Artble. “The Swing.” Artble, 19 July 2017, www.artble.com/artists/jean-honore_fragonard/paintings/the_swing.

The Met. “The Toilette of Venus.” Metmuseum.org, 2019, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/435739.

Zucker, Steven, and Beth Harris. “A Beginner’s Guide to Rococo Art – Smarthistory.” Smarthistory.org, 7 Jan. 2016, smarthistory.org/a-beginners-guide-to-rococo-art/.