Glossary
Academies
Formal art institutions that historically dictated artistic styles, techniques, and subject matter, often emphasizing traditional and classical approaches.
Example:
The Royal Academy of Arts in London, founded in 1768, played a significant role in shaping British art through its teaching and exhibitions.
Audience
The intended viewers or recipients for whom an artwork is created, whose context and understanding influence its reception.
Example:
The audience for a grand Baroque ceiling fresco in a church would have been the parishioners, meant to inspire awe and reinforce religious dogma.
Commercial Art
Art produced primarily for sale in a market, driven by economic factors and consumer demand, leading to increased production.
Example:
Much of the art produced for the burgeoning middle class in 17th-century Dutch Republic, like genre scenes, can be considered commercial art.
Individualism
A principle emphasizing the unique vision, style, and personal expression of an artist, often leading to a rejection of established norms and the rise of diverse artistic movements.
Example:
The Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne exemplified individualism by developing a unique approach to form and color that departed from both academic and Impressionist conventions.
Patronage
The financial support provided by an individual, institution, or government to artists for the creation of artworks, which historically dictated much of art production.
Example:
The Catholic Church's extensive patronage during the Counter-Reformation led to the creation of grand Baroque altarpieces and frescoes designed to inspire renewed faith.
Personal Expression
Art created primarily to convey an artist's individual emotions, thoughts, or political views, often moving beyond traditional commissions.
Example:
Frida Kahlo's self-portraits are profound examples of personal expression, revealing her physical pain and complex identity.
Public Display
The act of making art accessible to a broad general public, often through venues like museums, galleries, or outdoor installations.
Example:
The installation of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's The Gates in Central Park allowed for its public display, transforming a familiar space for millions of viewers.
Public Exhibitions
Organized events, typically in museums or galleries, where artworks are shown to the general public, increasing art accessibility and production.
Example:
The annual Salons in 19th-century Paris were crucial public exhibitions where artists could gain recognition, or face harsh criticism, from a wide audience.
Purpose
The underlying reason or intention behind the creation of an artwork, encompassing the artist's message, feelings, or the artwork's function.
Example:
The primary purpose of a medieval stained-glass window was often to educate a largely illiterate congregation about biblical stories and inspire religious devotion.
Recognition of Women Artists
The increasing acknowledgment and valuing of artistic contributions by women, who historically faced significant barriers to training, exhibition, and critical acclaim.
Example:
The growing recognition of women artists has brought renewed attention to figures like Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, whose portraits of Marie Antoinette showcase her exceptional talent.