Proposal Term Paper

Romantic era, impressionist era and the modern era fall within a period in history between 1780 to the current date. Of particular interest in this study is the architectural development that characterized the period 1780-1910. This period in history was designated by numerous changes in the works of Art. Apparently,  the period of romanticism is presumed to have existed between1760–1870. During this period, changes occurred in the works of art and architecture as there were reactions against Neoclassicism all over the Europe.[1] Architectural sites such as the Plaza de Armas of Havana and the Marianne of the 19^th century by Delacroix were created in the Age of Reason, the Enlightenment era or rather 18th-century materialism.
Looking back at the architectural designs of Romanticism, a lot is derived from the passion, imagination, autonomy and independence they created.[2] At the same time, they emphasize on favorite historical art subjects, nature, people and landscapes. The architectural work and art genius of 1760–1870 can be said to be personal, subjective, irrational, visionary, spontaneous, and an expression of transcendence in works of art.[3] It is from the above consideration that questions such as; how does the art in the romantic and impressionist era influence the modern culture today? How can the history of the art be used in addressing current and future problems to maintain high levels of productivity in the industry?

Research objectives

To address the above, the study will seek to achieve the following objectives

1. To establish the reason for the development of the historical sites and works of art.
2. To determine the role of the sites and how the influenced modern art.

• To establish the theoretical underpinnings for the different forms of art and how they influence the society.

Wilkin, Karen. “Art: Drawn to Revolution.” Wall Street Journal, (2011) 4.

The article by Wilkin outlines a history of the medieval age and how art played a huge role in shaping history. He cites the role of art and music as well as architecture in bring massive changes that influence today’s system. He sees the historical art of the past in relation to current developments as an inevitable cultural phenomenon, which has been evolving over the years.

Modern Nike
Modern Nike, which the French refer to as Marianne, is one of the art works of Delacroix that expresses a rich history of architecture. The piece of art history stand right in the tangled streets of France and signifies freedom. Scholars of history argue that before the 19^th century, the largely medieval city of Paris and its streets were developed without a plan and this made it to appear chaotic.  In agreement, Wilkins notes that the warren, tousled and disheveled streets of Paris with narrow alleys presented major social and economic problems as they slowed down the movement of troops, trade and travel.[4] It is in this crowded area that Delacroix artistic work personifying freedom, democracy and revolution stands.
Source: http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/romanticism-in-france

Niell, Paul.  “Rhetorics of place and empire in the fountain sculpture of 1830s Havana,” The Art Bulletin 95, No. 3 (2013): 440-464.

This article compares the current Plaza de Armas of Havana to other historal architectural sites and how they have shaped modern economical events. Its colonial visual culture exposes multiple constituencies agenda which as revealed by the architecture were complex. However, the architectural site reveals the universal heritage of Havana.   The author expresses the fact that dissonance characterized the late colonial Plaza de Armas. Imperial local negotiations and politics of a slave society creates a visual and spatial expression of rich history that have been used to shape modern events.

Fig 2: Plaza de Armas 1889

Source: http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/havana-1902.htm

 

Niell, Paul. From colonial subjectivity to ‘Enlightened’ Selfhood: The spatial rhetoric of the Plaza de Armas of Havana, Cuba, 1771-1828.  In Urban Identity and the Atlantic World, edited by Elizabeth Fay and Leonard von Morze. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. 2013.

The book by Niell clinically examines the effects of neoclassical phenomenon in the art and architecture of the romantic to modern era. He interrogates the operation of buen gusto (good taste) in the Caribbean to South America to the societies in Mexico and Spain. The architectural style of Plaza de Armas emerges as a reference to socio-cultural dynamic and visual style. It creates a sense of collective identity that held together citizens and colonial subjects.

Bibliography

[1] Paul Niell. From colonial subjectivity to ‘Enlightened’ Selfhood: The spatial rhetoric of the Plaza de Armas of Havana, Cuba, 1771-1828.  In Urban Identity and the Atlantic World, edited by Elizabeth Fay and Leonard von Morze. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. 2013, 132.

 

[2] Niell, Paul.  “Rhetorics of place and empire in the fountain sculpture of 1830s Havana,” The Art Bulletin 95, No. 3 (2013): 444.

 

[3] Ibid 454

[4] Karen Wilkin. “Art: Drawn to Revolution.” Wall Street Journal, (2011) 4.