Faith Annett - Art F200X

 The art of the Classical Period involved morality and how that could be determined and shown through artwork. The Enlightenment was going on which influenced people to think outside the box, and to think that human knowledge and intellect itself could solve moral problems. Especially in Neoclassical artwork, morality was a theme of that artwork. The art produced during this time was supposed to help people be moved towards morality and virtue in their lives. Many of the pieces of art during this time was showing people and their morality or the consequences of the lack of morality.  "The Death of Socrates" - Jacques-Louis David The first piece of art I chose was "The Death of Socrates" by Jacques- Louis David. David was a French painter who was one of the most prominent artist during this Classical period. He painted primarily in the Neoclassical style, such as this painting. This piece of artwork was done in 1787. This painting shows the famous philosopher Socrate

 Palace of Versailles - Outside  The Palace of Versailles, located in Versailles, France was built and finished in 1634. It was originally constructed when King Louis XIII came to Versailles frequently to hunt game, and he decided to have a small hunting pavilion and country residence constructed there. Later, King Louis XIV decided to have a majestic palace constructed from it which became a symbol of his reign there.  The Palace of Versailles has been described as one of the greatest pieces of Baroque architecture, and a magnificent building in the French region. I would love to visit the Palace of Versailles one day, and explore it. Some of the elements which are components of Baroque art include the grandeur of this magnificent palace and the drama involved. It also includes the repetition of some of the architecture and the layout of the Palace and surrounding gardens. The gardens are very organized and symmetrical, but also quite beautiful.  Palace of Versailles - Inside The insi

  Dresden Triptych - Jan Van Eyck  This piece of artwork by Jan Van Eyck is sometimes titled, "Virgin and Child with St. Michael, St Catherine, and a Donor" or is known as the Dresden Triptych. A triptych is a picture or painting on three panels that are typically hinged together and usually placed as an altarpiece. This work is a series of panels that was completed by Van Eyck in 1437 probably when he was in Bruges, Belgium. This is a prized possession that was once in the collection of Charles I of England and then later taken during the Second World War by the Russians. When the two outer paintings are closed, a figures of the Virgin Mary and Archangel Gabriel are portrayed as stone sculptures. When the panels are open, we can see the Archangel Michael on the left hand side with a kneeling donor, while on the right hand side is the St. Catherine of Alexandria. The very center panel shows the Virgin Mary seated with the Christ Child on her lap.