The Philosophy Of The French Revolution - 1045 Words

Neoclassicism, meaning new classicism, was the philosophy of the French Revolution. Since the fall of the Roman Empire, Europeans had been fascinated by the glory and affluence of ancient Rome. However, it was during the Age of Enlightenment around the mid-1700’s that many students went to study art in Rome and returned to their home countries with a renewed appreciation for Greco-Roman culture. A popular neoclassical writer named Johann Joachim Winckelmann once said this, â€Å"the only way for modern artists to achieve greatness was to imitate the Greeks.† In order to identify neoclassical art, one must look for key Greek features including Greek or Roman soldiers, classical subject matter with people in statuesque poses, as well as sharp outlines and contrasts. Paintings such as these often highlighted the virtues most esteemed by the Romans and Greeks, such as patriotism, bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. This classical, restrained style was brought about in re action to the melodramatic Baroque style. Neoclassical philosophers went so far as to say that man could control his destiny by learning from and following the laws of nature. This ideology is best illustrated in Neoclassical art such as Oath of the Horatii, The Apotheosis of Homer, and the Pantheon in Paris. At the 1785 Paris Salon, visitors were transfixed by one painting: Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David. For over a century, the Paris Salon was the greatest annual art event in Western Europe and inShow MoreRelatedThe Influence of Rationalism on the French Revolution1509 Words   |  7 PagesApril 2013 The Influence of Rationalism on the French Revolution What was the driving force behind the French Revolution? Many people may say it was financial, or political, and while I would agree that these things were part of the force that propelled the French Revolution, I would assert that the philosophies of the Enlightenment were the dominant force that blasted late eighteenth century France into revolution . In his article, â€Å"The French Revolution: Ideas and Ideologies â€Å"Maurice Cranston ofRead MoreThe French Revolution And The Revolution1640 Words   |  7 Pages The French Revolution is often seen as one of the most influential and significant events in world history (Voices 9). The surge of rebellion present in those against the old regime, or Ancien Rà ©gime, inspired reformers for generations to come. Nevertheless, the French Revolution would not have occurred without the aid of the Enlightenment Thinkers, or Philosophà ©s. These Philosophà ©s’ ideas sparked the French Revolution. Prior to the French Revolution, France was radically different. It was theRead MoreThe Industrial Revolution And The French Revolution1264 Words   |  6 PagesBoth the Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution induced great social transformations from the end of the 18th century on. The revolutions laid the foundation for the journey of modernization for Great Britain and France. Although the two countries were merely separated by the English Channel, the relatively low degree of pre-industrial international communications hindered the interaction of both events. Nevertheless, it is not coincidental that the revolutions occurred roughly at the sameRead MoreTo What Extent Was The Enlightenment The Main Driving Force Behind The American And French Revolutions?1479 Words   |  6 Pagesfocuses on the causes of Atlantic Revolutions and will explore the question: To what extent was the Enlightenment the main driving force behind the American and French Revolutions? 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This was achieved through the democracy and constitutions which still are the most important legacy existing in the modern world. It this outcome that societies were able to create influential pieces of works and change how societiesRead MoreThe Political, Economic and Social Aspects of the Enlightenment1109 Words   |  5 PagesGermany, and other parts of Europe. The Enlightenment mainly focused on mathematics, science, art, philosophy, politics and literature in the 1700s. This movement took away the fear of the world and the medieval views that were placed upon the people for so many years, and it also opened their eyes to new ideas and reason. Old beliefs such as French monarchy (the privileges that were given to the French nobility) political power, and the authority of the Catholic Chu rch were torn down. They were replacedRead MoreCauses Of The French Revolution911 Words   |  4 PagesThe French Revolution was a major turning point in all of European history. The old regime was destroyed and a new order came to be. We will talk about the causes of the revolution, when it ended, and if it was violent, Napoleon, what happened after his defeat, and some other leaders, and movies I have seen about the Revolution and how they were correct, plus other things I want to learn. The immediate cause of the French Revolution in 1789 was the near collapse of the French budget. On theRead MoreLiberalism And Its Impact On Society1513 Words   |  7 Pages The concept of liberalism is one that is greatly misunderstood in today’s society. Liberalism is often associated with a welfare state, and overregulation by the government. At the roots of this philosophy, however, you can find ideas that are actually associated with a more modern conservative ideological standpoint. Liberalism is typically credited to John Locke (1632- 1704), an English philosopher. In his book â€Å"The Two Treatises of Government† Locke proposed the ideas that every person (man)