Unveiling the Splendor and Strife: French Painting in the Age of Revolution

Course Title: Royalty and Revolution in French Painting

Dr. Lily Filson, Instructor

Dive into the Canvas of History: In this captivating journey through time, we explore the rich tapestry of French painting from the opulent Baroque era to the transformative echoes of the Neoclassical movement. This course is a deep dive into the masterpieces that mirror the grandeur of monarchs and the revolutionary spirit of the age.

Course Highlights:

• Baroque Splendor: Delve into the grandiloquent art of Louis XIV, where drama, depth, and divine inspiration set the stage for a century of artistic splendor.

• Academic Classicism: Witness the aristocracy's pursuit of order, balance, and the ideal human form as they sought to emulate the perfection of ancient Rome.

• Rococo Elegance: Step into the playful world of Watteau, Boucher, and Fragonard, where pastoral landscapes and playful allegories captivated the hearts of 18th-century France's elite.

• Naturalism's Quiet Revolution: Discover how French painters began to reflect the everyday life of their subjects, influenced by the northern genre scenes but with a unique French twist.

• Neoclassicism and the Bourgeoisie: Uncover the transformation of art as the bourgeoisie reclaimed Classicism to express their newfound ideals and aspirations.

The Fabric of Change:

As we traverse this era, we'll unravel the threads that connect art to the monumental shifts in society. From the silent, dignified peasants in genre scenes to the heroic figures that would emerge from the ashes of an old regime, French painting becomes a mirror to the social fabric of its time.

Key Moments to Explore:

• The Regency Period: Experience the shift from Baroque grandeur to Rococo's playful elegance during the interim government between Louis XV and his great-grandnephew, Louis XVI.

• The Rise of the Third Estate: Examine how art began to reflect the changing status of the common people, as their voices grew louder in a society once dominated by the monarchy and aristocracy.

• The Revolutionary Turn: Understand the role of art in the French Revolution, as it transitioned from the opulent tastes of the elite to the democratic ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

• Neoclassicism and Enlightenment Thought: Witness how Neoclassical art became a vehicle for expressing the Enlightenment ideals championed by thinkers like Rousseau, Descartes, and Voltaire.

Course Outcomes:

By the end of this course, you will not only have a comprehensive understanding of French painting's major styles from the 18th century but also see how art itself is a reflection of the societal shifts and historical events that have shaped Western civilization.

Join us on this enlightening adventure as we uncover the stories behind each brushstroke, revealing the heartbeat of an era where art and revolution painted history with broad strokes. 🎨✨

Enroll now to embark on a journey through the grand canvases of French history, from the lavish courts of Versailles to the revolutionary spirit that would echo through centuries. With Dr. Lily Filson as your guide, you'll gain a profound appreciation for the interplay between art and society during one of the most transformative periods in Western history. 🚀📚