The History of History Painting in Nineteenth-Century France From Classical Allusions to Painting of Everyday Life
Date of Award
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Hassold, Cris
Keywords
French Painting, History Painting, Nineteenth-Century
Area of Concentration
Art History
Abstract
During the nineteenth century, history painting in France underwent a radical change. Over time they became much more contemporary in nature. History paintings usually supported the regime in power. Traditionally, history paintings had had ancient or mythological subjects. These subjects often illustrated a moral lesson commenting on immediate contemporary events. Over time this connection to the contemporary world became explicit. Important contemporary events became worthy of depiction in their own right, without the need for the intermediary of an ancient subject. Later, as a result of changes in the government, most works were no longer created solely to support the current regime. The rapid turnover of governments meant that fewer works were commissioned: this increased the number of works that were created without governmental support. As a result, artists began to depict subjects that often critiqued the current regime. However, later, artists moved away from the depicting contemporary events of great historical importance. They began to depict everyday subjects, often showing scandalous aspects of society- such as the middle and lower classes and even courtesans.
Recommended Citation
Brink, Mary, "The History of History Painting in Nineteenth-Century France From Classical Allusions to Painting of Everyday Life" (2005). Theses & ETDs. 3490.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3490