18th Century British Arts: Architecture, Painting, and Music

18th Century British Arts

Architecture in the Augustan Age

Arts relate themselves to aesthetic, political, ethical, and educational codes. For Christopher Wren, the arts expressed the national spirit:

“Architecture has its political uses: Public Buildings being the Ornament of a Country; it establishes a Nation, draws People and Commerce; makes the People love their native Country, which Passion is the Original of all great Actions in a Commonwealth.”

The churches of Augustan architecture represent a considerable body of religious art for a Protestant community. Knowledge of the arts was indispensable to the educated person of the age, and the idea of the Grand Tour was also important.

Notable architectural successes of this Augustan age include:

• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Blenheim Palace
• Kedleston Hall
• Syon House
• Royal Crescent at Bath

Christopher Wren's Architectural Legacy

Christopher Wren's main works include:

1. Pembroke College Chapel, Cambridge
2. Emmanuel College Chapel, Cambridge
3. Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford
4. Trinity College Chapel, Oxford
5. Chelsea Hospital
6. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Nicholas Hawksmoor's Distinctive Style

• Christ Church, Spitalfields

John Vanbrugh and Grand Baroque Designs

John Vanbrugh's notable work includes Castle Howard, Yorkshire, characterized by:

“Corinthian order beneath a dominating pediment, with a sweep of round-headed but strongly keystoned windows from end to end, with a picturesque enrichment of urn-like finials sprouting along the skyline, and a theatrical lantern tower and dome dominating everything.”

James Gibbs: Scholarly Neoclassical Architect

James Gibbs had a more scholarly training, evident in works such as:

1. St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London
2. Radcliffe Camera, Oxford

William Kent: Architect of the Oligarchy

William Kent's works include:

1. Holkham Hall, Norfolk
2. 44 Berkeley Square, London

John Wood, Father and Son: Architects of Bath

In the provinces, John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger were prominent in Bath, with works like:

1. Queen Square
2. The Palladian Bridge, Prior Park
3. The Circus
4. The Royal Crescent

British Painting: A National School Emerges

The 18th century marked the beginning of a national school of painting in England. This emergence was influenced by England's social structure, its democratic spirit, and a refined governing class.

William Hogarth: Satire and Social Commentary

1. Master of social and political satire.
2. Works are illustrations of everyday life, often with critical aspects.
3. Known for engravings and lithographs.

Joshua Reynolds: Portraiture and the Royal Academy

1. Admirer of the Renaissance in Italy; a great traveler.
2. Founder of the Royal Academy of Arts.
3. Renowned painter of portraits.

Thomas Gainsborough: Instinctive Portraitist

1. A more instinctive painter.
2. Primarily a portrait painter.
3. Also painted landscapes, showing Flemish influence.
4. Experimented with colour.

John Constable: Landscape and Pre-Romanticism

1. A prominent landscape painter.
2. Showed Dutch influence in his work.
3. Considered a pre-romantic painter.

18th Century British Music

Music in this era was closely linked to courtly life and religious services.

Key Composers of the Era

Henry Purcell: English Opera and Anthems

• Developed opera in England (e.g., Dido and Aeneas, King Arthur).
• Creator of the “Anthem.”
• Served as the main organist at Westminster Abbey.

George Frideric Handel: Oratorios and Festivities

• Friend of composers like Telemann and Scarlatti.
• Known for choral works and oratorios (e.g., The Messiah).
• Composed music for festivities (e.g., Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks).