The Impact of Modernism on Art

A great number of revolutionary changes altered the face of art during the 19th century. 1The 19th-century art was characterized by restlessness, obsession with progress as well as novelty compared to earlier artistic periods. The 19th century was marked by discoveries as well as inventions at an astonishing rate, and the impossible became possible. Also, new artistic art replaced the new ideas. This essay will highlight the extraordinary artistic works of James Whistler’s Nocturne in Blue and Gold- the Old Battersea Bridge, Edward Burne-Jones’ The Love Song 1873, as well as Edouard Manet’s The Barricade and their relationship to modernism.

            Every aspect of modern life was questioned by modernism, for instance, the architecture adopted by the designs of people’s apartments, the furniture people use, as well as the museums and so on. The efforts, as well as the hopes of modernists, were shaped by modernity although they believed they were challenging it. What they intended to oppose was legitimized by their activities. In short, they believed that they were challenging tradition in the name of multiple freedom.2

            James Whistler’s Nocturne in Blue was painted in August 1871. The art portrayed a sense of beauty as well as the tranquility of the Thames by night. Whistler’s moonlit scenes were first described as “Nocturne” by Frederick Leyland. The art suggests a night scene’ notion although with musical associations.

Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner’s art through the ages: The western perspective. Vol. 1. Cengage          Learning, 2016.

Mednick, Thor J., and Michelle Facos. ”Introduction.” In The Symbolist Roots of Modern Art, pp.            21-28. Routledge, 2017.

            The theory illustrated that art is related to music. Colors are used in paintings just like sound is used in music. Paintings should be content with moulding the moods of people as well as stirring their imaginations instead of aiming at expressing dramatic emotions as well as portraying incidents of history.3

The artist admired Japanese arts, and this is evident in the compositional similarities the painting has with Katsushika’s Hokusai’s Under the Mannen Bridge at Fukagawa. The painting of Old Battersea Bridge expressed a memory of a fleeting moment. Whistler demonstrated the existence of the relationship between color as well as form paramount.4

            The Barricade by Manet is an essential piece of art. The political turmoil occurring in France was portrayed by this art. The art specifically referred to the Paris Commune. France’s organic methods of governance were illustrated by the impactful event of the Paris Commune. This piece of art creates a sense of incompleteness, on the surface. Manet is widely known to use this style. Through the shading of the painting, Manet wants the viewers to concentrate on the most critical facts represented in the painting which is the fight happening in the streets between the soldiers and the ordinary people.

            The best themes of painting invented in the past include modernism. Most of the paintings of Manet portrayed political unrest that occurred in the society despite the paintings coming from different periods of time. The artist used this painting to explain different politicians’ political views as well as political events.

Gikandi, Simon. ”Race and the modernist aesthetic.” In Writing and Race, pp. 147-165. Routledge,       2017.

Singletary, Suzanne. James McNeill Whistler and France: A Dialogue in Paint, Poetry, and Music.      Taylor & Francis, 2016.

            The painting helped to describe the connection between power as well as the skill that existed between different cultures as well as eras. As a result, Manet portrayed events and political activities that could happen. The artist used different techniques to compel the society to change through his social dimension. He used art to explain political events because he viewed art as a free spirit that was able to restructure as well as define its course. Manet used his painting to refashion emotions for instance fear, anguish, as well as terror. This is for the reason that he wanted the viewers to feel sympathy for the oppressed. He wanted to recognize himself as a person who wanted to restore a common sense of humanity as well as dignity. 

            Edward Burne-Jones’ the Love Song 1873 represents romance on the course of the 19th century.5 The painting highlighted the need to glorify the primacy of an individual. Besides, the piece of art is characterized by the presence as well as the demonstration of emotions that are intense. Almost all the spheres of life are covered through romanticism. Additionally, it represents various political norms as well as aristocratic social structures. For that reason, the painting indicated a strong as well as a significant impact on the political structures that were already established. The visionary artist was able to influence nationalism, conservatism, as well as liberalism and so on. Edward Burne-Jones emphasized on the need for emotion development as well as aesthetic sources as well as experience development. The artistic approach adopted by Burne-Jones played an essential role in reviving medievalism.

Cheney, Liana De Girolami. ”Edward Burne-Jones’ Art and Music: A Chant of Love.” Journal of        Arts and Humanities 4, no. 9 (2015): 47.

Conclusion

            In between the late 1800’s and mid-1900’s, the artistic movement of modernism could be observed throughout the world. The movement was important at that particular time of history in both America as well as Europe. The art created by early modern artists was influenced by a challenging world. Artists used different styles to pass a message, for instance, Manet used swirls to provide a form as well as color. Through modernism, artists viewed the world in a new way. People can understand the history as well as the feelings observed by a changing society by understanding art.6

Fiero, Gloria. The Humanistic Tradition Volume 1: Prehistory to the Early Modern World.             McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2015.

Bibliography

Cheney, Liana De Girolami. ”Edward Burne-Jones’ Art and Music: A Chant of Love.” Journal of        Arts and Humanities 4, no. 9 (2015): 47.

Fiero, Gloria. The Humanistic Tradition Volume 1: Prehistory to the Early Modern World.             McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2015.

Gikandi, Simon. ”Race and the modernist aesthetic.” In Writing and Race, pp. 147-165. Routledge,       2017.

Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner’s art through the ages: The western perspective. Vol. 1. Cengage          Learning, 2016.

Mednick, Thor J., and Michelle Facos. ”Introduction.” In The Symbolist Roots of Modern Art, pp.            21-28. Routledge, 2017.

Singletary, Suzanne. James McNeill Whistler and France: A Dialogue in Paint, Poetry, and Music.      Taylor & Francis, 2016.