Classical Blog

Morality and the Art of the Classical Era

Some painters and critics of the time viewed Rococo style as too opulent and superficial, lacking any true value or message. This helped the change from Rococo style to Neoclassicism. Neoclassical style had a great emphasis on heroism and moral virtue, Greek and Roman myth, and dramatic lighting (Seiferle). While this style became most popular in France, the use of Greek and Roman characters were to show a moral value or lesson in each painting. 

Above is the painting Andromache Mourning Over the Body of Hector. Hector was Andromache’s husband, who was killed by Achilles. Here, the painting is depicting Andromache mourning, and of course her son trying to console her. But I believe the true focus of this piece of artwork is the virtue of Hector’s nobility, and the after effects. If you look closely, the light in this picture is not shining down on the “hero” of the painting Hector, but instead on Andromache. While I do think the focus is of Hector’s nobility, I think the painting is telling the story of how his nobility has affected his wife and child. This can portray that not only is nobility a theme, but also self sacrifice and patriotism to one’s country. 

As with all in depth paintings, I’m going to focus on the minute characteristics that help portray the beauty of the painting. I noticed that if you look closely at Andromache, she is looking up the “sky” with tears in her eyes and a desperate look on her face, motioning to Hector. It’s almost as if she’s asking the gods how such a thing could happen to her husband. The way light and dark are used in this painting help convey the true message. While Hector is the main protagonist in most stories, the light is not shining on him. The dark black contrast behind him does not help accentuate his form, but instead helps show the shadows resting over him, proving he’s not the main focus of the painting. In fact, even some shadow is cast over their son, with the true focus and brightest beam of light being on Andromache’s face. As with all the paintings I have chosen thus far, I would love for this to be hanging in my house. 

This photo shows Joan of Arc at Charles VII of France’s coronation. Charles has also been called the Victorious and the Well-served. Although he is given such virtuous names, Joan of Arc is the focus in this painting. Joan of Arc has been coined as “-one of humanity’s most enduring cultural icons, a supreme artistic inspiration and an ideological instrument for a host of political and social actors and movements.” (Alizedah). She exudes power, endurance, courage, and a commitment to truth and justice (Alizedah). First, don’t look at Joan of Arc but focus on the people behind her. I left this picture larger so their faces could be seen clearly. All of the eyes on her show no trace of anger, jealousy, or even indifference. The men looking at her have a look of pure admiration and respect. Now if you look at her face, it is tranquil yet shows such magnitudes of courageousness and tangible endurance.

As with the photo before, I love the contrast with the dark black, figures with shadows over them, and the beam of light always focused on the main character. This style of painting shows such deep, intricate detail that you could find something new you didn’t notice before every time you look at it. What the first pictured lacks that I really appreciate about this one is the depth of the colors. Although it is a darker painting, the blues, greens, reds and oranges add to the opulence being portrayed and also add even more beauty to the painting. As always, I would absolutely love to have this in my home.

I chose this painting as my last to analyse because I think it wraps up my analyses perfectly. Dark, kinda dark, to a beautifully luminescent painting. Aurora and Cephalus is a painting meant to depict the stealing of a mortal man (Cephalus) by Aurora with seduction and a surprisingly forceful twist. As you can see Cephalus appears to be sleeping, he apparently resistant in the consummation. While this is the brightest painting out of the three, it does not show any good virtue. The reason I chose this painting is because it is tricky, and without a proper analysis it would be unknown as to why this is anti-morality, and a warning against infidelity and trickery.

Aside from the rape connotations, this painting truly is beautiful. The way Aurora is lifting up the night sky like it’s a curtain above Cephalus, the way her shirt flows around her arms, and the detail of the cherub holding Cephalus’s hand, to even the mountains below them. If you look closely, the light isn’t just shining down on Cephalus, but it’s also on Aurora’s face. I believe this was purposeful to show the depth of her expression. It may just be me but the first time I saw her I saw a look of benevolence, but looking at her again after reading the myth, I see a look of malevolence. I think my favorite thing about this painting is how Guerin was able to keep the traditional neoclassical black/dark background with a shining light coming down, but I appreciate how this painting looks so different from others I’ve seen. The primary colors chosen are beautiful hues of blue and purple, unlike the two paintings pictured above. Again, yes! I would love to have this in my home.

Works Cited

Alizadeh, Ali. “The Maid Pictured: Truth and the Aesthetics of Joan of Arc.” NGV, www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition_post/the-maid-pictured-truth-and-the-aesthetics-of-joan-of-arc/.

“Andromache Mourning Hector.” The Artist – Art and Culture Blog, 28 Dec. 1970, www.theartist.me/collection/oil-painting/andromache-mourning-hector/.

Seiferle, Rebecca. “Rococo – Concepts & Styles.” The Art Story, 2019, www.theartstory.org/movement/rococo/history-and-concepts/.