Art Styles from Renaissance to Romanticism in Europe
Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo Styles
Architectural Features
Renaissance art features elements such as domes, Roman arches, broken pediments, lintels, and the famous Solomonic columns (twisted columns).
Rococo Style: Evolving from Baroque, Rococo is a predominantly decorative style, emphasizing curves, movement, and a lighter, playful aesthetic. It heavily influenced the “minor arts,” including furniture design, with its intricate details.
Neoclassical Style
Inspired by classical Roman and Greek art, Neoclassicism emphasizes austerity and grandeur. Its architectural elements—domes, Roman arches, and more—are larger and more imposing than those of the Renaissance. Neoclassical architecture remained prominent for many public buildings, including royal palaces, squares, and triumphal arches across Europe, such as the Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid. Frequently, buildings from this period show a Baroque or Neoclassical exterior, while their interiors are profusely decorated in Rococo style, as seen in the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio de Oriente). The Neoclassical style was profusely used during the whole 19th century.
19th Century: Romanticism and Revivals
In the 19th century, Romanticism, combined with the rise of nationalism, promoted a revival of medieval styles as people tried to connect with their national historical roots. This resulted in a renewed interest in Romanesque and Gothic architecture, seen in structures like the British Parliament in London and the restored castles in southern Germany. El Palacio da Pena in Lisbon (you may visit that building on your school trip) shows the spirit of Romanticism with luxurious and intricate gardens, exoticism, and a mixture of styles.
Sculpture
In sculpture, the emphasis on dramatism and movement from previous periods declined. Instead, artists sought serenity and classical ideals, drawing on themes from Greek mythology and focusing on the idealized human form. Nude figures became more common, as sculptors emphasized beauty and harmony. The most important sculptor of this period was Antonio Canova. His influence extended into the second half of the 19th century, where classical themes continued to dominate.
Painting
Rococo Period
During the Rococo period, painting often focused on the luxurious lifestyles of the aristocracy, with portraits and scenes of upper-class society. Artists like Fragonard (“The Swing”) and Watteau highlighted color, loose brushstrokes, and intricate details to show scenes of reading, sensuality, and women with new social habits.
Neoclassical Period
In the Neoclassical period, following the Enlightenment ideals, painting frequently depicted themes from ancient Roman and Greek history and mythology, with a didactic purpose. Emphasis on line (drawing over painting), serene compositions, idealized beauty, and the human form were important features. Jacques-Louis David, the most influential painter of this period, is known for his portraits (Napoleon), events of the moment, and historical works (The Death of Socrates).
Romanticism
Romanticism marked a break from these conventions, as painters sought their own unique styles. Complex compositions, broken vanishing points, dark colors, and strong contrasts were characteristic of works by artists like Delacroix and Géricault. Drama, movement, and emotion were central themes, as in “Liberty Leading the People” and “The Raft of the Medusa.” Artists such as Friedrich and Turner found inspiration in nature, emphasizing its power and mystery.
Goya: A Unique Genius
Goya (1746-1828) is a painter who defies classification. His genius transcends the styles he was trained in, such as Neoclassicism and Rococo. For most experts, he is considered the first contemporary painter in history. Furthermore, studying Goya’s work is an introduction to the history of Spain during the beginning of the Contemporary Age. Goya’s style evolved throughout his life. There are at least four periods in his production:
- Youth and Paintings for Tapestry: These represent scenes showing the way of life of the upper class. They are colorful, bright, and gentle, such as El Parasol or La Gallina Ciega. They follow the Rococo and Neoclassical styles.
- Royal Painter: Goya became the official court painter for King Carlos IV of Spain. His portraits of the royal family and aristocracy during this period are noted for their realism and psychological depth, and the influence of Velazquez (La Familia de Carlos IV or Las Majas). During this period, deafness isolated him from society. He began works in etching, criticizing superstitions and habits (he also followed the Enlightenment).
- The Impact of War and Black Paintings: Goya was a witness of the War of Independence and its cruel impact on the country. He produced etchings such as The Disasters of War, and paintings as El 2 y el 3 de Mayo, following an expressionist style and breaking all the models of the period. The Black Paintings, with surreal and grotesque topics, are from this period too.
- Exile: Goya ended his life outside of Spain because of his liberal ideas against the absolute monarchy. In this short period, his artworks became serene and colorful again. La Lechera de Burdeos is a famous painting from this period.