Dominant

Definition

In the context of 18th-century culture and arts, the term 'dominant' refers to the prevailing ideas, styles, or themes that significantly influenced artistic expression and cultural trends during this period. This dominance can be seen in various art forms, literature, music, and philosophy that reflected the social, political, and intellectual currents of the time. The dominant culture often mirrored the values and beliefs of the elite classes, impacting how art was produced and received.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dominant artistic style of the early 18th century was Baroque, known for its grandeur and emotional intensity, which reflected the power of the monarchy and the church.
2. As the century progressed, Neoclassicism emerged as a dominant style, advocating for clarity and order in art and literature as a reaction against Baroque excesses.
3. The Enlightenment fostered a dominant intellectual climate that encouraged artists and writers to explore themes of reason, nature, and human rights.
4. Dominant cultural figures included philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau, whose ideas shaped the artistic movements of their time.
5. The dominance of certain art forms was often linked to social hierarchies; for instance, patronage from aristocrats influenced what was created and celebrated.

Review Questions

• How did the dominant artistic styles of the 18th century reflect societal values?
  • The dominant artistic styles of the 18th century, such as Baroque and later Neoclassicism, reflected societal values by embodying the ideals of power, order, and reason. Baroque art was often commissioned by monarchs and religious institutions to convey their authority and grandeur. As society began to embrace Enlightenment ideas, Neoclassicism emerged, emphasizing clarity and virtue, which mirrored the growing appreciation for reason and individualism among the elite classes.
• Discuss how Enlightenment thinkers influenced dominant cultural trends in art and literature during the 18th century.
  • Enlightenment thinkers significantly influenced dominant cultural trends by promoting ideas centered around reason, individual rights, and skepticism towards traditional authority. Their philosophies inspired artists and writers to question established norms and explore new themes in their work. This led to a shift from Baroque's emotional intensity to Neoclassical ideals that emphasized rationality and moral virtue, effectively reshaping artistic expression in line with Enlightenment principles.
• Evaluate the impact of social class on the dominance of certain artistic movements in 18th-century Europe.
  • Social class played a crucial role in determining which artistic movements became dominant during the 18th century. The patronage system meant that wealthy aristocrats had significant influence over what art was created. This led to styles like Baroque being favored for its grandiosity aligned with aristocratic power. As middle-class interests grew alongside Enlightenment ideas, Neoclassicism gained prominence as it appealed to values of democracy and civic virtue. This shift showcased how economic power could shape cultural dominance.

Related terms

Baroque:

An artistic style characterized by dramatic expressions, bold colors, and intricate details that flourished from the late 16th to the early 18th century.

Neoclassicism:

An artistic movement inspired by the classical art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing harmony, simplicity, and proportion that gained prominence in the late 18th century.

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, which influenced various cultural forms.