Art Analysis from The Vietnam War

 Morality in the Neo-Classical Period

The Baroque and Rococo periods were full of extravagance. The artwork of that time often depicted images that focused on self-indulgence or even things that could be sexual in nature. As art began to focus on order and balance, the Neo-Classical period was introduced. Art began to look more restrained or controlled in a way. It was more civil or moral. Many of the Neoclassical paintings showed someone just doing an everyday activity, like sweeping the floor or working a job.

The first piece below is Classical Ruins by William Hamilton. It is a rather ordinary painting, in my opinion, but it exemplifies the Neoclassical period perfectly. It reminds me of something I might see hanging in a public library or doctor's office. It has very muted, neutral tones with the primary focus on the people in the right corner working with the sheep. There are slight dabs of white on their clothing and on the horse that really draws you to that corner. While there is nothing exciting about what they are doing, it is everyday life which is relatable to the viewer. It is simply a group of people doing a job. The scene in the painting would be considered balanced and moral, by most accounts. This is a painting that I would display because of how calming it is. There is nothing controversial about it and could hang in any room of our house, specifically a bedroom or hallway. 

William Hamilton, Classical Ruins, 1778

A second example shown below of Neoclassical art is Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David. This is a very straightforward painting with strong lines in the columns, swords, and the men standing. As mentioned by Dr. Beth Gersh-Nesic, "Neoclassicists wanted to express a rationality and seriousness that was fitting for their times" (2016). The viewer can feel the impact of this painting just by what is happening in the photo, and it is less about the emotion in their faces. It is more about the actions. This is a demonstration of a Roman doing the "right" and "moral" thing, so it is definitely in line with the theme of morality in this era. The way the fabric drapes is all very similar, and the detail of it is so precise that one could almost imagine what the cloth would feel like on his or her skin. While the colors stand out, they contrast very well and are easy on the eyes. This use of color is a common theme in Neoclassical art. I would also display this piece of artwork because I think it is a conversation piece. It begs the question of what exactly is happening and what the women might be thinking or feeling as they watch.

Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii, 1784, oil on canvas, 3.3 x 4.25 m, painted in Rome, exhibited at the salon of 1785 (Musée du Louvre; photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

The third example below of Neoclassical art is Edward III Crossing the Somme by Benjamin West. He was an American painter. West focused most of his artwork on historical or political themes. He was known for taking a serious subject, like a battle, and adding a modern twist to it. In this painting below, the viewer is very clear about what is happening in the scene, which emphasizes one of the main characteristics of Neoclassical art -- clarity. The colors are vibrant, yet they blend well together. As seen in many Neoclassical paintings, the colors are typically similar, including a neutral or muted background with pops of red, blue, white, or orange as a focal point. In this case, the flags, horses, and uniforms are brought to life with these colors. This artwork is another demonstration of men "doing a job" and creating a sense of balance. I would most definitely display this piece of Neoclassical artwork. It is rich and stunning in color and content. It almost has the look of a Civil War painting, and I think it would draw attention by visitors to our home. It would look great in a study or even in a bedroom.

Benjamin West, Edward III Crossing the Somme, 1788

Bibliography

https://finearttutorials.com/guide/neoclassicism/.

Dr. Beth Gersh-Nesic, "Neoclassicism, an introduction," in Smarthistory, January 7, 2016, accessed October 26, 2024, https://smarthistory.org/neoclassicism-an-introduction/.