Cultural Revolution: Art, Architecture, and Media 1870–1914

Painting and Sculpture: Impressionism to Avant-garde

The invention of photography in 1839, which became widespread from the 1850s, created a crisis for painting. The traditional function of painting—to faithfully represent reality—was challenged. Therefore, artists sought new paths in artistic expression.

The Rise of Modern Art Movements

Impressionism (1870s)

The Impressionists attempted to capture the effects of light and fleeting moments. Key artists included: Monet, Sisley, Pissarro, Manet, Degas, and Renoir.

Post-Impressionism (1880s)

These artists reflected their feelings or their own subjective vision of reality. Notable figures were Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin.

Early Twentieth-Century Avant-garde Trends

• Expressionism: Artists like Munch captured violent and distressing feelings of anxiety, fear, and existential dread.
• Fauvism: Led by Matisse, this movement utilized bright colors, simple shapes, and decorative elements.
• Cubism: Picasso presented objects and figures from different angles, fundamentally distorting and restructuring reality.

Sculpture

In sculpture, Rodin was heavily influenced by Impressionism. He often left surfaces seemingly unfinished so that when light shines on them, the resulting visual impression is completed in the retina of the viewer.

The New Architecture and Industrial Materials

The Industrial Revolution enabled the use of new materials in the construction of buildings. Initially, iron and glass were utilized, followed by steel and concrete. These innovations allowed structures to be built quickly and affordably.

Symbols of Modern Construction

The primary symbol of this new architecture was the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The invention of the electric elevator also made it feasible to construct skyscrapers, though the greatest development in this area occurred after 1914.

Modernism (Art Nouveau)

A new architectural style, Modernism (or Art Nouveau), emerged toward the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Modernist architects prioritized the aesthetics of their buildings, focusing on curved and undulating facades, as well as integrated interior design and furniture. Key figures, such as Antoni Gaudí, exemplified this approach.

Emergence of Popular Culture: Film and Recorded Music

This era gave rise to new forms of artistic expression that defined popular culture:

• Cinema: The first public film screening took place in 1895, marking the birth of the motion picture industry.
• Recorded Music: Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1878. A decade later, the gramophone appeared, leading to the birth of the record industry. By 1900, record stores were established in all major cities.