What is it about this style or artwork that could be interpreted as revolutionary or avant-garde?

The 19th century was a period of great upheaval and change within the art world. We see a number of different movements, lots of “isms” react against the constraints of the art academy, and traditional perceptions about what art is and does. Perceived as “avant-garde” these artists took great risks, both formally (visually) and conceptually, making work that was often perceived as radical, provocative, and even dangerous. This was instigated by a number of changes outside of the art world including increasing modernization and industrialization, as well as improvements in the technologies of image making, especially the invention of photography and filmmaking. If a camera could reproduce the world exactly as it appears before us, then what is left for the painter, sculptor, or printmaker to do?

This time, you have the opportunity to select one of the following “isms” from this century based on your interests. Select one that you believe is expressive of Gauguin’s statement.

You can select from:

Neoclassicism (artists like Jacques Louis David and Ingres)

Romanticism (Goya, Gericault, Delacroix, Turner)

Realism (Goya, Daumier, Courbet)

Impressionism (Monet, Manet, Cassatt)

Post-Impressionism (van Gogh, Seurat, Gauguin)

Next, consult the Additional Resources list (link), specifically resources for your selected ism. Consult two of the resources and use those when creating your post, along with the textbook (Ch. 3). For the two resources you consult, be sure to cite them properly in your post. Using at least 350-400 words, you will answer the question below.

Using what you know of this movement as introduced in your readings, how would you describe your selected style? Identify three to four characteristics. These could be visual characteristics, shared subject matter, or technique.

What artwork from your readings do you think best embodies this style? Why? Include it or a link to it in your post as well as a description of the object.

What is it about this style or artwork that could be interpreted as revolutionary or avant-garde?

What aspects of it might be interpreted as traditional or reminiscent of older art movements? Use what you know of Classical, Renaissance, and Baroque art to help you make this determination. Also, consult the web resources provided on 19th century art within this module to help you learn more about your chosen movement.