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Jean-Baptiste Lully
Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632 - 1687) was born in Florence, Italy. He was a composer during the Baroque Era and was one of the first to introduce the opera to society. The opera emphasized the importance of the aristocracy, since they were the only ones afforded these artistic luxuries. -
Rembrandt, Bathsheba at Her Bath
This history painting of the biblical story of Bathsheba and David (2 Sam xi). Look at how the light highlights the body of Bathsheba, but how her gaze draw her attention at the serving woman at her feet. What is the artist trying to say about the relationship of these two figures? Rembrand van Rijn, Bathsheba at Her Bath, 1654. Oil on Canvas, 142cm x 142cm. Musée du Louvre, Paris. Accessed April 2015. http://www.wga.hu/html_m/r/rembrand/15oldtes/19oldtes.html -
Andromaque by Jean Racine
Andromaque is a five-act tragedy published in 1667 by French dramatist Jean Racine, a young man who was part of Louis XIV's inner circle and whose work was established as the perfect model of dramatic tragedy at the time for its respect of Classicism's main characteristics. -
Baroque Architecture: Saint Peter's Basilica & Square in Rome
In this ink sketch of Saint Peter's Square and Basilica from 1675, Gianlorenzo Bernini conveys the dominane of Catholic authority in Rome. Bernini's sketch clearly illustrates the Baroque style in which the Basilica and Square were constructed. The colonnade structure complements the stunning Basilica and symbolically attracts believers into the fold of the Church. -
Rigaud, Portrait of Louis XIV
The painting of Louis XIV represents the height of absolutist portraiture. Notice the regalia overshadowed be the masculine royal figure with his thrusting valves and high heels. Hyacinthe Riguad, Louis XIV, 1701. Oil on Canvas, 9’2” x 6’3”. Musée du Louvre, Paris. Accessed April 2015. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Louis_XIV_of_France.jpg -
Persian Letters by Montesquieu
Persian Letters (1721) is an epistolary novel by French philosopher and writer Montesquieu. Published during the Enlightment, it features many important themes of this period such as Orientalism, travel, the abolishment of prejudice and education. Furthermore, it urges readers to explore beyond their society and become familiar with the unknown, which was one of the Enlightenment philosophers' goals. -
Dedication of the Brandenburg Concerto
The Brandenburg Concertos were dedicated to the Margrave of Prussia (the younger brother of King Friedrich Wilhelm I) in 1721. With Prussia under the rule of Friedrich Wilhelm I, it completely disregarded music as it made its way to becoming a military country. As a result, the Concertos were never played in the courts of Prussia and Bach was never paid for his work. -
Candide by Voltaire
Voltaire's Candide is a satirical novel that speaks out against many common but unethical practices of the time including slavery. Philosophers of the Enlightenment were known for their innovative ideas and in Candide, it is mainly Voltaire's refusal to believe that the established rules and codes should be sacred and unbreakable that shines through. -
Gainsborough Portrait of Mary, Countess Howw
An excellent example of British naturalist portraiture. Notice the contrast between the wilderness of the setting and the finery of her dress. Why does the artist employ such an artificial composition of elements in the paintings? Thomas Gainsborough, Portrait of Mary, Countess Howe, 1760. Oil on Canvas, 244 x 152.4 cm. Iveagh Bequest, London. Accessed April 2015. http://www.wikiart.org/en/thomas-gainsborough/portrait-of-mary-countess-howe -
The Marriage of Figaro
The Marriage of Figaro was a comedic opera written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It was first performed in Vienna in 1786, and shocked, as well as entertained, the Austrian audiences with its controversial storyline and hilarious performances. The storyline reflected the tension that was emerging between the social classes. -
Goya, The Third of May, 1808
What does this fantastic Goya show about human nature. Is this a commemoration of national heroism and Spanish patriots, or is it a tragedy of human vulnerability in the face of death. Do these themes necessarily conflict? Francisco Goya, El Tres de Mayo, 1808, 1815. Oil on Canvas, 255 x 345. Museo del Prado, Madrid. Accessed April 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Third_of_May_1808#/media/File:El_Tres_de_Mayo,_by_Francisco_de_Goya,_from_Prado_thin_black_margin.jpg -
Romanticism in Music
Romanticism was a major movement in music during the 1800s. It reflected the changes that were taking place during the Industrial Revolution, the rising middle classes and the nationalism that was emerging between countries. The main focus of this music turned to the value of emotion, following the changing philosophies of society. -
Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley
The beginning of the 19th century was marked by the Industrial Revolution and Colonialism. It was a time of upheaval and change and this was definitely noticeable in literature. Gothic literature became increasingly popular and was most notably known as being non-realistic and stylised literature. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is one of the most famous novels from this period. -
Gothic Revivalism: Palace of Westminster, London
This sketch of the Palace of Westminster, designed by Charles Barry in 1840, captures the reconciliation of parliamentary democracy with monarchical authority in Great Britain. Constructed in the Gothic revivalist style, the building is a sprawling construct. It is important to note that the tower to the left of the sketch is the "King's Tower": this confims the presence of the monarch as a permanent fixture of the state. -
Habsburg reaction to the Revolutions of 1848: The Ringstrasse of Vienna
This photograph of the Ringstrasse of Vienna captures the romantic, ringed boulevard and the construction of aristocratic buildings in the Art-Noveau style. This photograph was taken after the completion of the boulevard.
Please see the following link for documentation of Emperor Franz Joseph I orders for the construction of the Ringstrasse in 1857. http://www.brynmawr.edu/library/speccoll/dighum/vienna1900/triomeka.brynmawr.edu/items/show/252.html' >Wiener Zeitung</a> -
Claude Debussy and Impressionism
Claude Debussy was a composer who was born in France in 1862. During a time of change as the city of Paris was being reconstructed, the style of Impressionism emerged among artists, which directly reflected the music of Debussy. Impressionism in music was characterized by ethereal moods, stretching of time and innovative instruments, all of which were employed by Debussy. -
Monet, Woman with a Parasol - Madame Monet and Her Son
Look at this beautiful painting of Monet's family. What does the artistic style and the subject matter tell us about the interests of Impressionist painters? Claude Monet, Woman with a Parasol – Madame Monet and Her Son, 1875. Oil on Canvas, 100 x 81. National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Accessed April 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman_with_a_Parasol_-_Madame_Monet_and_Her_Son#/media/File:Claude_Monet_-_Woman_with_a_Parasol_-_Madame_Monet_and_Her_Son_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg -
Beaux-Arts Architecture & Urban Design in Paris: Haussmann's New Paris
This image shows the construction of the Avenue de l’Opéra in the front of the Palais Garnier. The photograph was taken in 1875 before the boulevard was completed.It is important to note how unsignificant structures were demolished in order to widen the boulevard as directed by Georges-Eugene Haussmann's direction.
Please note: The date listed on this timeline is the year in which the Haussmann plan was considered complete, as Haussmann was dismissed from office in 1875. -
Germinal by Émile Zola
Zola's Germinal was published during the second Industrial Revolution, a period during which social changes resulted in the birth of unions and rights for the workers. The novel's protagonist Étienne devotes his efforts to the establishment of rights and better living standards for workers. -
Klimt, Death and Life
This painting marks a significant break in tradition with the paintings we have looked at beforehand. Klimt uses shapes to cover and supplement the human figures that make up part of the painting. What does the composition of the two figures say about the human condition? Gustav Klimt, Death and Life, 1916. Oil on Canvas, 178 x 198. Leopold Museum, Vienna. Accessed April 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_Life#/media/File:Gustav_Klimt_-_Death_and_Life_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg -
Constructivism in Soviet Russia : Tatlin's Tower
Tatlin’s Tower, designed by Vladimir Tatlin in 1919, served a Communist social purpose. This photograph captures the modern, utopian design with Tatlin himself standing infront of his work. It should be noted that the Tower never matured beyond the model captured in this image. -
Wozzeck
Wozzeck was an opera written by Alban Berg in 1922. Much like other Expressionist works of that time, Wozzeck aimed to evoke an emotional response from its audiences. Its storyline depicted society in a distorted and grotesque way, showcasing the brutal effects of poverty and inequality. -
Zeppelinfeld Stadium, 1933: A Manifestation of National Socialism
This color-restored image of a Nazi party rally at the Zeppelinfeld Stadium encapsulates the sinister nature of the construct, and of the ideals of National Socialism. The image was taken by Hugo Jaegar during a celebration of Adolf Hitler's 50th birthday in 1939. From this vantage point, the classical architectural influence is apparent. -
If This Is a Man by Primo Levi
In the aftermath of the two world wars, mental illness became increasingly prevalent and also became a popular topic of post-war literature. Primo Levi's memoir gives readers a detailed account of what it was like to be Jewish during World War II and what he endured both physically and psychologically at Auschwitz.
