French Art Before Impressionism
Classicism and Baroque
From the mid to late seventeenth century, French art is more often referred to by the term Classicism, which implies an emphasis on clarity, order, and balance. This style was influenced by the art of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as by the work of Italian Renaissance artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo.
Notable Artists
Among the most notable French Classicist artists were Georges de la Tour (1593-1652), Nicolas Poussin (1593 or 1594-1665), and Claude Lorrain (1600-1682). These artists produced works that were characterized by their clarity of composition, use of light and shadow, and attention to detail. They also often depicted mythological or historical subjects.
Rococo
Nevertheless, the Rococo style stood before the arrival of Impressionism as the first quintessentially French art. It emerged in the early eighteenth century as a reaction against the formality and restraint of Classicism. Rococo art is characterized by its lightness, grace, and playfulness. It often features asymmetrical compositions, curved lines, and pastel colors. Popular subjects include pastoral scenes, love stories, and exotic landscapes.
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