HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

Age of Enlightenment - Historical Background

Great site with a bear of a homepage. Start with the link provided and move through the pages by clicking on the pictures at the top left of each page. There's a short genealogy tree and a look at painting during this period. Numerous links that, true to the homepage, may be a bit stubborn.  And HERE is an excellent resource list.

The Age of Enlightenment in the paintings of France's National Museums

Age of enlightenment in the paintings of France's national museums. Up to 1750, painting was imbued with pleasure, fable and light-heartedness. But, in the second half of the century, painters found themselves faced with a choice. Were they to be charming or instructive? Site gives examples of numerous artists and their works from the time period between 1715 to 1799. "In the domain of the arts, the aging Louis XIV hoped to see childhood instilled in everything." Site, though small in appearance, may take you hours to completely peruse.

European Enlightenment

Identifies the central events of European Enlightenment history and their relation to one another. Designed as a learning module for students. Good information source.

The Enlightenment

"Although the intellectual movement called "The Enlightenment" is usually associated with the 18th century, its roots in fact go back much further. But before we explore those roots, we need to define the term. This is one of those rare historical movements which in fact named itself. Certain thinkers and writers, primarily in London and Paris, believed that they were more enlightened than their compatriots and set out to enlighten them. They believed that human reason could be used to combat ignorance, superstition, and tyranny and to build a better world. Their principal targets were religion (embodied in France in the Catholic Church) and the domination of society by a hereditary aristocracy."

John Locke:  The Philosopher of Freedom

The eighteenth century was tremendously influenced by the epistemology and psychology of Locke. Epistemology is a theory of knowledge in which all ideas are derived from experience. As the seventeenth century drew to a close, it made way for philosophers like Locke who wrote: "Good and evil, reward and punishment, are the only motives to a rational creature: these are the spur and reins whereby all mankind are set on work, and guided."

Age of Enlightenment--Scientists

List of sixteen hyperlinks to different scientists who worked during the Age of Enlightenment. Find out who was the first woman to be elected to the Academy of Arts, who discovered Uranus, and much more!

Political Movers and Shakers of the Enlightment

Many individuals contributed to change during the time of the Enlightenment. Great site divides them up by region of the world, then gives a great brief description of each individual next to a portrait.

The Philosophes

" The European Enlightenment developed in part due to an energetic group of French thinkers who thrived in the middle of the eighteenth century: the philosophes. This group was a heterogenous mix of people who pursued a variety of intellectual interests: scientific, mechanical, literary, philosophical, and sociological. They were united by a few common themes: an unwavering doubt in the perfectibility of human beings, a fierce desire to dispel erroneous systems of thought (such as religion) and a dedication to systematizing the various intellectual disciplines."

Russia in the Age of Enlightenment: An Overview of 18th Century Russian Life

"The Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century marks the beginning of a new era in Russia's social history. The development of national cultures and increased relations with Europe brought much change to Russian society, education, science, literature and art. In these aspects Russia entered into a full exchange with the rest of Europe. The monarchy played a major role in this move toward more modern times in Russia, actively participating in the transitions taking place in Russian social, cultural and political life. One of the most important changes which came about because of this increased interaction and exchange within Europe was the shift from feudal orders to a capitalist system. This change paved the way for further social developments in Russia, which in turn stimulated the intellectual elite in Russia. There were few intellectuals, artists, scientists, or writers who did not try to contribute to solving the social problems of the day." Site is broken down into three sections-Imperial, intellectual, and peasant life.

ART AND ARCHITECTURE

The Dizzying Grandeur of Rococo

Rococo, the art of the enlightenment, evolved out of Paris, then the art center of Europe. Rococo style derived from the Baroque of the 17th century and revealed elegant and refined lines. Most important aspect was in decoration, tending to be of free and asymmetric, irregular lines, emphasizing curves and counter curves. Some describe the Rococo as feminine, suggesting that the age was dominated by the taste and social initiative of women. Best examples, lie in the interiors of palaces (e.g., Residenz, Wurzburg) and ther German/Austrian churches (e.g. Wieskirche, Vierzehnheiligen). Painters of the period include Fragonard, Watteau, Boucher, Gainsborough. Themes of love and Arcadian happiness are evident in paintings of the period. Do not miss section on the 'Six Marvels in a Nutshell' with clickable enlargeable illustrations. A splendid site.

Eighteenth Century Art Resources

Great site established by Rutgers University, which contains a broad display of resources. Look at drawings and paintings in exhibitions, museums, or archives. Fascinating links to architecture, gardening, and historic buildings of the 18th century. Maps, photographs, plans, paintings, and more!

French and Italian Painting of the 18th Century

The National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., one of the world's great repositories of art, offers through its webside, 'the collection', exhibitions of paintings by the 18th century French and Italian artists associated with the Rococo style. "Selected Tours" include: 1. Boucher and Fragonard, 2. Chardin, 3. Watteau. The Tour of 18th and 19th Century France is a fabulous exhibition including Neoclassicist style examples, including the "icon" of Napoleon by Jacque Louis David. Each painting has separate commentary.

Catherine The Great:  Empress of All Russia

One of the few prominent female rulers in earlier times, Catherine overthrew her own husband with the help of the Russian Imperial Guard. Brief introduction to her life and achievements.