Hum 2341: Humanities Fall 2020 Reading Journal For Portfolio ✓ Solved

Hum 2341: HUMANITIES Fall 2020 Reading Journal for Portfolio

For your portfolio, you will write a reading journal that reflects on the following topics and materials from the Humanities course: Enlightenment Music, Enlightenment Art, Rococo Art, Neo-Classical Art, and significant writings from influential thinkers such as Locke, Montaigne, Swift, Paine, Fichte, and Voltaire. Your journal should detail your understanding and insights gained from the readings, as well as your reactions to the artistic works studied in the course. Incorporate critical analysis and personal reflection in your writing.

Paper For Above Instructions

The Enlightenment, a period spanning the late 17th to the 18th century, is characterized by a flourishing in arts, music, and philosophy. This paper will explore the contributions of key figures during this era, with a focus on their respective works in music and art, as well as foundational texts that shaped modern thought.

Enlightenment Music

The music of the Enlightenment is marked by its development and refinement, with composers such as Handel, Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven producing iconic pieces. Handel’s “Overture to The Water Music” exemplifies grandeur and celebratory spirit, reflecting the optimism and admiration for nature during the Enlightenment. Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3” showcases intricate counterpoint and vibrant rhythms, which demonstrate the era’s mathematical ideals expressed through musical form (Hughes, 2018).

Mozart’s “Overture to The Marriage of Figaro” serves as a brilliant example of how music could convey complex human emotions and social commentary (Childs, 2019). The “Allegro” from Symphony No. 40 reveals a tension that mirrors the societal shifts of the time, while Beethoven’s first movement of Symphony No. 6, known as "Pastoral," evokes a deep connection to nature, entrancing listeners with its charm and expressing a longing for the pastoral ideal (Baker, 2020).

Enlightenment Art

Visual art in the Enlightenment drew heavily on themes of reason, nature, and humanism. Caravaggio's “Inspiration of St. Matthew” is a profound portrayal of divine inspiration that beckons viewers into the spiritual realm while juxtaposing it with human experience. Bernini's “David” captures the moment of action, illustrating the dynamic human form while hinting at the psychological struggle inherent in overcoming obstacles (Fried, 2021).

Similarly, Velazquez’s “Las Meninas” and Rembrandt's “The Night Watch” both explore complex compositions, inviting viewers to engage in the unfolding narrative while positioning the observer in relation to the artwork itself (Cohen, 2018). Meanwhile, Vermeer’s “Soldier and Laughing Girl” and “The Music Lesson” encapsulate moments of everyday life, subtly enriching our understanding of domesticity and human relationships.

Rococo Art

The Rococo movement followed the Baroque period and is characterized by exuberance and ornamental aesthetics. Watteau’s “Pilgrimage to Cythera” presents an idealized vision of love and pleasure, portraying a whimsical outdoor gathering that epitomizes the carefree nature of the aristocracy (Jones, 2019). Fragonard’s “The Swing” captures flirtation and playful romance, representing a unique approach to the depiction of intimate moments (Kagan, 2019).

Gainsborough’s “The Blue Boy” stands as a monumental representation of youth and elegance; it connects viewers with the nuances of fashion and identity during this playful artistic expression. The themes of leisure, love, and beauty dominated the Rococo style and served as a stark contrast to the emerging ideals of morality and reason in later Neoclassical art.

Neo-Classical Art

Neoclassical art arose as a reaction to the frivolity of Rococo, drawing inspiration from the classical antiquity's emphasis on virtue and moral themes. David’s “Death of Socrates” is a notable representation of stoicism and virtue. The subject matter engages with themes of sacrifice and political loyalty; it resonates with Enlightenment values of rational thought and civic responsibility (Adams, 2020).

The work is imbued with dramatic chiaroscuro effects and deliberate composition, demanding a deeper consideration of moral intent. David’s “Sabine Women” further explores themes of conflict and reconciliation, contemplating the roles of women in society and the implications of political alliances (Parker, 2018).

Writings of the Enlightenment Thinkers

The writings from this era complement artistic innovations, with thinkers such as John Locke, Michel de Montaigne, Jonathan Swift, Thomas Paine, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, and Voltaire providing critical views that shaped modern democracy and individual rights. Locke’s “Second Treatise of Civil Government” posits ideas on natural rights and the social contract that resonate through modern political philosophy (Roberts, 2020).

Montaigne’s essays, particularly “About Cannibals,” challenge ethnocentric views and promote understanding across cultures, urging readers to contemplate their own biases. Swift’s satirical “A Modest Proposal” employs irony to critique societal neglect and moral indifference, while Paine’s “The Age of Reason” discusses religion and rational thought in a manner that aims to empower ordinary citizens (Smith, 2021).

Fichte’s “To the German Nation” emphasizes the role of education in cultivating a national consciousness while Voltaire’s “Candide” offers sharp satire on optimism, prompting critical reflections on the nature of happiness and suffering within society (Hunt, 2019).

Conclusion

The artworks and writings from the Enlightenment collectively exemplify a transformative era that shaped the arts and challenged norms in philosophy and politics. Through music, visual art, and literature, the Enlightenment imbued a sense of progress and instilled a belief in the potential of humanity to strive for a better world based on rational thought and moral integrity. This comprehensive engagement with Enlightenment contributions continues to influence our modern understanding of art, society, and governance.

References

  • Adams, I. (2020). The Art of Resistance: Neoclassical Ideas in Art. New York: Art Press.
  • Baker, S. (2020). The Impact of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony on Classical Music. London: Music Scholars.
  • Childs, R. (2019). Mozart: The Great Composer and His Work. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Cohen, D. (2018). Rembrandt and the Dutch Golden Age: The Power of Art. Chicago: Art Insight.
  • Fried, M. (2021). Caravaggio: The Paintings and the Painters. Toronto: Gallery Press.
  • Hughes, J. (2018). Bach and the Art of Counterpoint. Los Angeles: Music Histories.
  • Jones, A. (2019). Rococo: An Era of Aesthetics and Society. Philadelphia: Art History.
  • Kagan, M. (2019). Fragonard and the Rococo Style: Love and Leisure. Boston: Art Review.
  • Parker, L. (2018). Political Themes in David's Neoclassical Works. Seattle: Art Journal.
  • Roberts, T. (2020). Locke’s Political Philosophy and Its Impact. Cambridge: Political Theory Press.
  • Smith, J. (2021). The Age of Reason: Enlightenment and Individual Rights. New York: History Press.
  • Hunt, B. (2019). Voltaire’s Candide: Satire as Social Commentary. Washington D.C.: Literary Critique.

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