19th Century Industrial Revolution: Key Developments & Art

The 19th Century Industrial Revolution in Europe

The 19th century in Europe witnessed a large industrial and political development, along with advancements in boat technology and the steam railway, as well as electricity. This was also the period of consolidation of constitutional liberal states, the rise of Italy and Germany, the expansion of the labor movement, improvements in living standards, and demographic growth. All of this, together with scientific and technological progress, led to a new industrial revolution, which can be divided into two stages of early development and industrialization marked by transformations.

The crowd favors momentum as industrializing powers seek new markets and sources of raw materials. For reasons of national prestige, the powers extend their reach, and rivalries between European nations lead to the partitioning of Africa and Asia. Because of this, global trade expands. This era in France is one of the great colonial powers and also the downtown art world of industrialization.

The Eiffel Tower and New Materials

The Eiffel Tower, built during the industrial 19th century, introduced new materials such as iron and steel. Their application made it possible to overcome traditional challenges. Other materials like glass and reinforced concrete were also used to construct buildings. Alexandre Eiffel was a French engineer specializing in metallic structures. He acquired a prestigious international reputation in the use of these materials, building hundreds of important structures. Other examples of this style include the Crystal Palace, the gardener, Joseph Paxton, and also metal structures of bridges.

Key Art and Architectural Examples

• Eiffel Tower: Alexandre Eiffel (1832-1923) / 1887-1889 / Paris / New materials / Wrought iron / Industrial materials / 305 (320) m tall, 125 m wide
• Tassel House: Victor Horta (1861-1947) / 1892-93 / Brussels / Modernism / Ceramic, glass, iron, stone, and wood
• The Thinker: Rodin (1840-1917) / 1880-1900 / Print / Bronze / Sculpture / 1.98 x 1.29 x 1.34 m / Musée Rodin, Paris
• The First Cold: Miquel Blay (18866-1936) / 1891-92 / Realism / White marble / Sculpture / 2.93 x 1.95 m / Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona
• Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe: Edouard Manet (1832-1883) / 1863 / Impressionism / Oil on canvas / 2.08 x 2.64 m / Musée d'Orsay
• Impression, soleil levant (Sunrise): Claude Monet (1840-1926) / 1872 / Impressionism / Oil on canvas / 48 x 63 cm / Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris
• The Card Players: Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) / 1890-1895 / Post-Impressionism / Oil on canvas / 47 x 57 cm / Musée d'Orsay, Paris