18th Century Aesthetics

Robinson Crusoe (Novel)

1719

First published in 1719 and written by Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe is one of the earliest adventure novels written. With the first edition of the work crediting the author as Robinson Crusoe himself, speculation has been raised regarding whether or not the book is fictional as it claims.

View of the Grand Canal (Painting)

1720

Giovanni Antonio Canal, professionally knows as Canaletto, was famous for a variety of paintings in the 18th century. The Grand Canal served as inspiration for many of Canal's paintings.

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (Song)

1723

Composed in 1723, Johann Sebastian Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring is one of the most well-known compositions composed by Bach. The composition is famous in and outside of religious circles in spite of its intrinsic religious theme.

The Four Seasons (Song)

1725

Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons was composed in 1725 and remains one of the most recognizable classical music compositions. The song gets its name from the style in which the composer uniquely composed the music to reflect the four seasons of weather.

Gulliver's Travels (Novel)

1726

Published in 1726, Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels paved the way for future novelists with this satirical tale of fantasy and adventure.

Poor Richard's Almanack (Book Series)

1732

Poor Richard's Almanack was a publication written by Benjamin Franklin which appeared yearly from 1732 to 1758. Often published under the pseudonym of either "Richard Saunders" or simply "Poor Richard," the publication contained everything ranging from weather predictions to poetry and witticisms.

The Alamo (Building)

1744

In the heart of San Antonio, Texas the Alamo remains one of the most visited historically significant tourist attractions in the United States. Although famous for the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, the building itself was originally built by San Franciscan friars as a church nearly a century earlier in 1744.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse (Building)

1764

First lit in 1764, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse was built by the Colony of New York with the intention to safely guide ships past the lighthouse to the New York Harbor. Still in operation, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the current oldest functioning lighthouse in the United States and is located in Sandy Hook, New Jersey.

A Boy with a Flying Squirrel (Painting)

1765

Painted in 1765, before the height of John Singleton Copley's artistic career, the oil painting nonetheless went on to garner critical claim long after it was first released. The subject in the photo is Copley's half-brother Henry Pelham who was also an artist.

Neptune (Sculpture)

1767

Sculpted in 1767 by French artist Augustin Pajou, Neptune (also called Irritated Neptune and Neptune Calming the Waves), is one of many iconic works of art depicting Greek mythological tradition. The sculpture is currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon in Lyon, France.

Penn's Treaty with the Indians (Painting)

1772

Completed in 1772, Benjamin West's Penn's Treaty with the Indians is an oil painting depicting William Penn interacting with a Native American tribe. Aesthetic quality aside, Penn's Treaty with the Indians is unique in that it holds equal cultural and historical significance.

The Old Man and Death (Painting)

1774

Joseph Wright of Derby's painting The Old Man and Death captures feelings ranging from sadness to satire, all the while causing the viewer to examine his or her own mortality. Wright is one of the most well-known English artists of his era as many of his works are housed in some of the world's most revered museums.

The Eruption of Vesuvius (Painting)

1776

The Eruption of Vesuvius is one of Pierre Jacques Volaire's most well-known works. The painting depicts the horrific eruption of Mount Vesuvius as it decimates the ancient city of Pompeii.

Watson and the Shark (Painting)

1778

Watson and the Shark is an oil painting painted by American painter John Singleton Copley. This painting was bold for the time period and cemented Copley's reputation in the art world.

Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Song)

1787

Eine kleine Nachtmusik is a classical music composition composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1787. It is one of the most well known classical music compositions ever composed by Mozart.

Panthéon (Building)

1790

Located in Paris, France, the Panthéon is one of France's most vistied tourist attractions. Designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot and Jean-Baptiste Rondelet the iconic structure was completed in 1790.

The White House (Building)

1792

Standing since 1792, the White House serves as the office for the President of the United States. Constructed by James Hoban, the White House has served as the residence for every United States President since John Adams.

United States Capitol (Building)

1793

The United States Capitol is an iconic architectural feat that stands as a symbol of freedom in the heart of Washington, D.C. Originally designed by William Thornton, the construction of the United States Capitol commenced in 1793, while the first meeting held in the Capitol did not take place until 1800.

Louvre Museum (Building)

1793

Located in Paris, the Louvre Museum is one of France's most iconic monuments, housing some of the world's most famous pieces of art including the Mona Lisa. It was completed in 1793 by Pierre Lescot, Claude Perrault, and Louis Le Vau.

Lansdowne portrait (Painting)

1796

This life-size painting by Gilbert Stuart depicts George Washington in the final year of his term as the first President of the United States of America. It is iconic for its artistic and historical significance.