Art and Science: Neoclassical Art
Art and Science
Neoclassical art emerged in the 1760s and continued until approximately the 1840s. It partly arose as a reaction—a revolt—against the Rococo style, which had grown increasingly popular. More significantly, it was fueled by a burgeoning interest in science and its rapid advancements. Theories and philosophies concerning the universe, its forces, and the nature of personal freedom and existence began to gain prominence. Additionally, the discovery of the ancient, buried cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii greatly inspired artists across various disciplines during this period.
I personally love science and immediately started searching for science and art. I was thrilled to stumble upon George Stubbs. He was commissioned to illustrate the fauna from the Captain Cook voyages. I could not find anything related art of Alaskan animals, but I did discover this beautiful rendering of a horse called Whistlejacket.
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| George Stubbs Whistlejacket c.1762 oil on canvas 296.1x 248 cm National Gallery, London |
George Stubbs was a prominent English painter best known for his detailed equine art and significant contributions to anatomy. He studied anatomy extensively, enabling him to produce detailed illustrations, including works for Captain Cook's voyages, as mentioned, and a midwifery book.
One of Stubbs’s most celebrated works is "Whistlejacket," a masterpiece that exemplifies the intersection of science and art. This painting portrays a real racehorse named Whistlejacket, commissioned by his owner, the Marquis of Rockingham. The horse is so lifelike that viewers may feel connected with the animal.
Stubbs's attention to detail is evident in the fine soft brush strokes of the horse's mane and the expressive eyes that convey intelligence. The horse is depicted in a dynamic pose, with raised veins and flexed muscles, reinforcing the impression of vitality. The plain background highlights the horse as the primary focus of the painting, helping us to appreciate every intricate detail.
Stubbs dedicated 18 months to dissecting and sketching horses, reflecting his commitment. The pose of Whistlejacket also evokes classical Greek and Roman sculptures. When he traveled to Rome in 1754, Stubbs would have been able to view the beauty of Greek and Roman art. Ultimately, "Whistlejacket" exemplifies his talent at blending art with scientific exploration.
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| Joseph Wright of Derby, A Philosopher Giving a Lecture at the Orrery (in which a lamp is put in place of the sun), c. 1766, oil on canvas, 147.2 x 203.2 cm Derby Museum, England |
"A Philosopher Giving a Lecture at the Orrery," is a great example of his use of chiaroscuro—a technique that creates a stark contrast between light and shadow. In this painting, individuals of various ages are gathered around an orrery, with a gas light at the center, symbolizing the sun. A child's shadow blocks part of the light, enhancing the dramatic interplay of illumination in the scene, highlighting the expressions of those present.
The orrery itself represents the groundbreaking heliocentric model of the solar system, illustrating the orbits of planets around the sun, a concept that challenged the long-held belief of geocentrism. Wright's manipulation of light and shadow parallels the works of Caravaggio, drawing attention to the inquisitive minds absorbed in the philosopher's lecture. This dramatic portrayal reflects the essence of the Enlightenment era, focusing on the exploration of scientific knowledge rather than traditional Christian narratives common in Baroque art.
Joseph Wright of Derby was a notable English artist born in Derby. He is distinguished by the title "of Derby" to differentiate him from another artist sharing his name. Wright was not only an accomplished painter but also had a keen interest in the sciences. He frequently engaged with peers in the Lunar Society of Birmingham, where they discussed contemporary scientific topics.
His artwork vividly portrayed the realistic aspects of his subjects, which created challenges in his success in portrait painting, as many clients preferred not to have their blemishes represented. Instead, he embraced the prevailing trend of dramatic historical paintings with moral lessons. He skillfully combined his artistic talents with his scientific interests to illustrate the exciting advancements in science.
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| Benjamin West Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky c. 1816 oil on slate 13 3/8 x 10x1/16 Philadelphia Museum of Art |
In this dramatic depiction of the famous science experiment, we see Mr. Franklin harnessing electricity with his hands and the infamous key. His red, flowing cape flaps in the wind, giving him an almost superhuman appearance as he captures the lightning bolt. Instead of portraying a dramatic rendering of a saint, West represents a secular scientific hero.
In a religious fashion, small angels behind him assist in gathering the electricity. The angel closest to him holds the kite line, while a small Native American angel watches intently, and another angel holds a second kite at the ready. On the opposite side, two angels are seen gathering the electrical currents. The diagonals of the kite line, along with the angels' leaning bodies straining against the pull of the line and the wind, create a sense of immediacy, as if we are witnessing this event unfold right now. West has used the Baroque style of drama and moral narratives to portray an American Hero in an epic story of science. I don’t particularly like this painting, but I found the drama and symbolism intriguing.
Benjamin West was the first artist from the New World to gain international recognition. A self-taught painter, he made a name for himself in portrait painting in Philadelphia and New York. His travels to Europe allowed him to immerse himself in ancient Greek and Roman art, which influenced his adoption of the Neoclassical style. It was also in England that he met and befriended Benjamin Franklin.
Though this painting is very small and dramatic, West is known for his large-scale history paintings, which gained significant popularity during his time. He believed that art should embody ideal virtues and convey educational narratives. Additionally, he incorporated contemporary events and fashion into his works, making them relevant and relatable to his audience.
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