Birth of Modern Europe 2/26/04
Mr. Meyers Web Walks: London
Andrea Bromley
Art Reform in London
In 17th Century London, the expression of art was underdeveloped and underappreciated even as art thrived in Italy, France, Spain, Sweden and other European countries. Any form of art that was found within London, a city void of artistic drive, was imported from other countries. The art was mounted on the walls of the few wealthy merchants for decoration purposes only. The city of London lacked an appreciation and desire for great art, yet merely due to a lack of exposure.[1] If art was to be exhibited, it was only to a select few; it was not to be shared with the more common viewer, and therefore could not develop within the culture. As art became of greater value, the exposure to the public eventually developed. The Connoisseurs, specialized art gatherers/critiques, acquired art from various European countries, and through private exhibitions, sparked an interest in the privileged viewers. This small spark eventually lead to a movement that gave power to the artist, and allowed for public exhibition of artwork from outside London, as well as from the growing culture within. Through this growth also developed a new understanding of the art form, and a concrete set of artistic standards through the newfangled artistic language of RomanticismŃthe first artistic movement within London. A lack of development and passion for art in 17th century London was followed by an era of change in the value of art; through a slowly acquired appreciation, grew a culture that undertook new, original style and new standards by which art was created and viewed.
The growth of art in London developed through trade, dominated by fellow European neighbors, which set a rudimentary base for LondonŐs specialization of art. In order for trade to be accomplished, it was important for certain restrictions involving art to be abolished. These laws forbid foreign art to be imported, they forbid the sale and auction of art by claiming such actions a monopoly of the city of London, and the simple act of painting was limited by the city guild.[2] Once these extremely strict confines were outlawed, the flow of art quickly began in London. Decorative art from France and Italy was imported, as well as landscape works from Holland, and portraits from Sweden and Austria. The Grand Tour was established, which transported wealthy Englishmen through Europe to marvel at fine artŐs classic beauty. While a sophistication for individualistic art was still developing, the Grand Tour was an important starting-off point, which served to help Englishmen develop a taste for the classics. Through this process developed the Connoisseur, who would obtain paintings from around Europe, and escort them home to their very private galleries within London. A society of Connoisseurs was established, titled the ŇSociety of DilettantsÓ, in 1734. It was here that it was decided what artwork would be integrated into LondonŐs blooming art culture. Although it is important that an appreciation for art began to develop, the audience was still very limited.
While only those who were wealthy and connected to members of the Society of Dilettants could originally partake in the interpretation of fine art, the development of larger, more public exhibitions lead to a more widespread interest. The Royal Academy was created, which was a well-know exhibition that accepted a more generalized public to view the accumulated fine art. By allowing the availability of art to become more widespread, artistry could become a business. A demand for the artist developed, instead of the collector. Consequentially, the Grand Tour began to include members that didnŐt necessarily belong to a Connoisseur Society, but those more common people who were equally interested in the fine arts and its development within London. An interest was sparked in newspapers and magazines, as they picked up on the evolving trend. The newspapers were important to spread news of artistry to the common man, and to increase the popularity of exhibitions. News papers and magazines played another imperative role in creating a business for art; new articles included information on how to take a part in the new phenomena. The material to be learned included a history of artwork, the etiquette of viewing art, and important qualities that defined the status of great art. By increasing the accessibility of information about the art field, and how to properly examine works, people could become more confident in their interest, and consequentially, more involved. The information being spread wasnŐt anything new, but its audience was larger, and allowed for a widespread specialization. As the appreciation of art intensified through the classes, artŐs original role as a space-filler began to evolve.
Through the progressing role of art within London via foreign trade and exhibitions, the true persona of art undertook a whole new character. The Royal Academy played a large role in changing the value, status, and function of art within London. A new appreciation of technique, aesthetic qualities, and the importance of the piece, had developed. Art was no longer treated as furniture, but was meant to be interpreted, and to provoke thoughts and feelings. This movement inspired the British painters to refine their uses for art. Exhibitions allowed for them to develop a historical background of international artwork, which would derive a polished understanding of respectable artistic qualities/techniques. Within this understanding lay the first step towards creating their own language/style of art. Romanticism was the first artistic movement that was to develop in London. This new style was formed through the combining of the collectorŐs ideal form of art, and the general artistŐs ideal form; the approach included a combination of a classical style, mixed with an individualistic spin of creativity from the artist. This movement demanded a new standard for great art; individuality.
Through an increase of popularity, art became an exciting addition to LondonŐs culture. This popularity was accomplished through a series of actions, including a few, specialized, wealthy Connoisseurs who developed an initial interest, the creation of the exhibitions, which spread the idea, and the accessibility of artistic information that was distributed through newspapers. The role of art changed, creating a market for artists thriving within London. Art became a valued form of expression, and the artist became an important figure. Once the English artists had become specialized in the original technique of fine art, they were able to confidently expand, and distinguish a style that was unique to London. Although initially lethargic in the pursuit to develop an artistic culture, London proved fully able to give to both art and the artist the value and appreciation that it formerly lacked.