Summary:
This paper explores the influence of situational influences and the pursuit of "primitiveness" on the development of art in the 19th century art society, and takes Gombrich's artistic thought as the main research object. Through a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature and theories, this paper first expounds the important role of contextual factors in 19th-century art creation, as well as the artists' attention and reflection on context. Secondly, this paper examines the pursuit of the concept of "primitiveness" in 19th-century art, points out the romanticization tendencies in it, and makes an in-depth discussion of Gombrich's artistic thought.
I. Introduction
The 19th century was an extremely important period in the history of European art, which was influenced by many social, economic and cultural factors. The rise of the Industrial Revolution led to a great transformation of European society, from an agrarian society to an industrialized society, which not only affected people's lifestyles and social structures, but also had a profound impact on the field of art.
In the early 19th century, the art world was generally sponsored by religion and aristocracy, and artworks were often based on religious themes or aristocratic life, and the expression was more traditional. However, with the rise of capitalism and increasing urbanization, artists began to seek new ways of expression, trying to express attitudes and emotions towards social change through art. At the same time, with the development of the market economy, the art market has gradually formed, which also provides more opportunities and space for artists to create.
II. Contextual Influences in the Artist's Practice
A. Peer Competition and Creative Choice
In the 19th century art society, peer competition was a common phenomenon, and artists often faced competitive pressure from their peers. This competition comes not only from the quality and innovation of the work, but also from the reputation and status of the individual artist. In such a competitive environment, artists often need to make a series of trade-offs and decisions in their creative choices.
First of all, peer competition affects the artist's choice of subject matter and way of expression. In order to stand out from the competition, some artists may choose to pursue new and unique subjects or adopt unprecedented expressions in order to capture the attention of the audience and win the favor of the market. However, this may also marginalize some traditional themes and expressions, leading to the homogeneity and homogeneity of artistic creation.
Secondly, peer competition also affects artists' creative attitudes and style choices. In the face of competitive pressure, some artists may choose to cater to the market demand and adopt a commercial creative method in order to gain more attention and income. However, this can also lead to a work of art losing its uniqueness and individuality, becoming lacking in depth and substance. At the same time, some artists may choose to stick to their own creative principles and pursue artistic independence and purity, but this may also affect their competitiveness in the market.
B. The influence of public opinion on artistic creation
In the artistic society of the 19th century, the public opinion environment played a crucial role in artistic creation. Artists are often subject to public opinion pressure from audiences, critics, and political forces, which directly influences their creative choices and expressions.
First and foremost, artists need to consider the tastes and preferences of their audiences to ensure that their work is accepted and appreciated. In the 19th century, the audience's aesthetic perception was often influenced by traditional ideas and religious beliefs, so artists needed to consider the audience's acceptance when creating their work, and avoid touching sensitive topics or challenging traditional values.
Secondly, artists also need to consider the evaluation and criticism of critics, because the evaluation of critics directly affects the reputation and market value of the work of art. Some artists may gain critical acclaim and praise by catering to critics' tastes and preferences, thereby enhancing their status and influence in the art world. However, this can also lead to the loss of independence and innovation in the artwork, becoming lacking in authenticity and depth.
C. Conflict between employers' wishes and artists' autonomy
In the art society of the 19th century, artists were often faced with a conflict between the will of their employers and the autonomy of their artists. When accepting commissions, artists may need to choose between the requirements of their employers and their own creative principles, which brings certain confusion and challenges to artistic creation.
First of all, employers often have their own expectations and requirements for works of art, and they may expect artists to create works of their own will to meet specific needs or convey specific messages. In this case, artists may need to weigh the pros and cons between the wishes of their employers and their own creative freedom, decide whether to accept commissions and how to adjust their creative direction.
Secondly, artists may face time and financial pressures, and employers may have clear requirements for the time and cost of completing their works, which makes it necessary for artists to consider how to complete their works with limited time and resources in the creative process to meet the employer's requirements and expectations. However, this can also lead to artists being constrained by external conditions in the creative process, affecting the quality and creativity of their work.
III. The Rise and Influence of the Concept of "Primitiveness".
A. The Pre-Raphaelite movement and its influence on the concept of art
The Pre-Raphaelite movement was an important artistic movement that emerged in England in the mid-19th century, and had a profound impact on the rise of the idea of "primitiveness". The movement advocates a return to the essence and authenticity of art, emphasizing that artists should be inspired by nature and history, and pursue the true expression of their hearts and the intuitive communication of emotions. Through the study and imitation of Renaissance Italian art, the Pre-Raphaelite artists tried to excavate and reshape the "primitive" spirit of art in order to resist the trend of industrialization and commercialization at that time, and pursue the purity and independence of art.
B. The rise of the idea that "the earlier the better".
In the 19th century art society, the concept of "the earlier the better" gradually emerged, that is, the real value and significance of art lies in its origin and roots, rather than in its later development and evolution. Inspired by ancient Greece and the Renaissance, this notion believed that classical art and culture were the noblest and perfect forms of expression and should be the benchmark and model for artistic creation. As a result, many artists began to pursue "primitive" artistic styles and expressions, trying to achieve the revival and reconstruction of art by imitating ancient works of art.
C. The aesthetic pursuit of "primitiveness" and the practice of artistic creation
The aesthetic pursuit of "primitiveness" has been widely applied and explored in the practice of art creation in the 19th century. Many artists try to find artistic inspiration and creative motivation by returning to the source of nature and history, in order to excavate and express their innermost emotions and thoughts.
Through the study and imitation of classical art, some artists tried to reshape classical aesthetics and values in order to resist the commercialization and utilitarian tendencies in the society of the time. At the same time, some artists also began to pay attention to primitive culture and ethnic art, trying to draw inspiration and inspiration from them to create works with unique styles and characteristics.
IV. The impact of capitalist industrialization on the art society
A. Changes in the social environment and the collective response of artists
With the rise of the Industrial Revolution and the establishment of the capitalist economic system in the 19th century, European society underwent tremendous changes, which had a profound impact on the art society. The advancement of industrialization led to increased urbanization, major changes in the social structure, and a large number of peasants poured into the cities to engage in industrial production, forming a huge working class. This change in the social environment has brought challenges and opportunities to the artist community.
Many artists are dissatisfied and disappointed with the realities of industrialization and urbanization, and they are angry and worried about the environmental pollution, population overcrowding, and social injustice brought about by industrialization. Some artists choose to express a critique of reality by depicting the dark side of industrialized society, revealing the exploitation and oppression brought about by the capitalist economic system. At the same time, some artists also tried to call for social reform and improve the living conditions of workers through their artworks, and advocated socialism and social justice.
B. The desire to "escape from modern society" and the yearning for the life of "primitive man".
In the context of capitalist industrialization, some artists showed their weariness with modern society and their yearning for the life of "primitive people". They believe that the tediousness and utilitarianism of modern society have made people lose their inner peace and inspiration, and yearn to return to nature and simple lifestyle. This desire to "escape from modern society" was widely resonated and explored in the 19th century art society.
Some artists express their yearning and longing for a primitive way of life by creating works with "primitive" themes. They depict the life scenes and natural landscapes of primitive people, emphasizing the purity and primitive beauty of nature, and trying to achieve the "escape" of modern society and the pursuit of "primitiveness" through works of art. At the same time, some artists also try to rebel against and resist modern society through their own lifestyles and behaviors, choosing to be incompatible with modern society and pursuing individual freedom and truth.
C. The embodiment of the element of "originality" in a work of art
In 19th-century art, elements of "primitiveness" were widely embodied and explored. Through the observation and study of nature and primitive culture, some artists try to integrate primitive aesthetics and values into their works in order to express their criticism of modern society and their yearning for primitive life. Through clean lines and bright colors, they depict natural landscapes and primitive life scenes, trying to evoke deep resonance and emotional resonance in the audience.
Others, through imitation and inheritance of classical art, attempt to reconstruct classical aesthetics and values to resist the commercialization and utilitarian tendencies in modern society. Through the study and reference of ancient Greek and Renaissance artworks, they created works with classical style and spirit, emphasizing the eternity and immortality of art, and trying to inject new vitality and vitality into the art society of the time.
V. Gombrich's Artistic Thought Inspiration for 19th-Century Art
A. The importance of contextual factors in artistic creation
Gombrich's artistic thought emphasizes the importance of contextual factors in artistic creation. When 19th-century artists faced the challenges of industrialization and modernization, Gombrich's ideas provided them with a new way of thinking. Artists realize that artistic creation is not only an imitation of nature or society, but also should pay attention to the context and social context in which the creation is made. Gombrich's point of view suggests that artists should deeply understand and actively respond to their own time and environment, so as to create works with more contemporary characteristics and social significance.
B. Examination and critique of the concept of "primitiveness".
Gombrich's artistic thought examines and critiques the concept of "primitiveness". Artists in the 19th century, in their pursuit of "primitiveness", often fell into an over-romanticization and idealization of nature and primitive life. However, Gombrich points out that true primitiveness is not simply a retro or a return, but a deep understanding and expression of nature and authenticity. Artists should go beyond superficial forms and symbols to explore inner meanings and emotions in order to create works that truly have depth and connotation.
C. The role and responsibility of the artist in modern society
Gombrich's artistic ideas remind artists of their roles and responsibilities in modern society. In the face of the problems and challenges brought about by industrialization and modernization, artists should not sit idly by or escape from reality, but should actively participate in social change and reform. As observers and recorders of society, artists should keenly capture the pulse and changes of society, and call for social reform and progress through their own creations. They have the responsibility to bring enlightenment and reflection to society, guide people's attention and thinking about reality, and thus promote the development of society in a better direction.
VI. Conclusion
This paper explores the influence of situational influence and the pursuit of "primitiveness" on the development of art in the 19th century art society, and takes Gombrich's artistic thought as the main research object, and through a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature and theories, the following research results are obtained:
First, we find that contextual factors played an important role in 19th-century art. Faced with the challenges of industrialization and modernization, artists are aware of the importance of the context and social context in which they create, which has had a profound impact on their creations.
Second, we examine the pursuit of the idea of "primitiveness" in 19th-century art, and point out the romanticization and idealization tendencies that exist in it. Gombrich's artistic thought critiques and reflects on this concept, proposing a rethinking and exploration of true originality.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Belting, H. (2011). Art History after Modernism. University of Chicago Press.
Clark, T. J. (2006). The Painting of Modern Life: Paris in the Art of Manet and His Followers. Princeton University Press.
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