The extravagance of the Baroque style was followed by the contrasting Neoclassical ideas
that coincided with the so-called Age of Enlightenment (or the Age of Reason), which
promoted a more realistic, scientific approach, as well as the separation of church and
state. Neoclassical art emphasizes simplicity and symmetry, and it draws its roots from the
aesthetics of Ancient Greece and Renaissance Classicism.
What may sound surprising is Neoclassicism co-existed with Romanticism during the first
half of the 19th Century. The Romantic style was defined by attention to emotion rather
than reason, and gravitation to the past (medieval themes), though the French Revolution
also brought the glorification of heroism, which is not unreasonable since the expression of
strong emotion was welcomed.
Case Assignment
In our current Case assignment, we are going to compare a Neoclassical work by David,
titled Oath of Horatii, and a Romantic work by Delacroix, titled Liberty Leading the People.
Write a 3- to 4-page paper in which you provide brief information about the Neoclassical
and Romantic styles with a reference to differences in world view (reason vs. emotion); an
abbreviated biographical background on the artist; a brief description and interpretation of
the two works; and your opinion on how David and Delacroix differently conveyed their
views on the Revolution (both works carry revolutionary ideas).
