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A Philosopher Giving a Lecture at the Orrery, 1763-1765, Joseph Wright of Derby, English
The lighting in this painting is very dramatic, like Baroque-era works. One can see from the fascination in the subjects' faces that the invention in the middle is awe-inspiring. The painting is meant to depict a passion for knowledge, as is typical of something from the age of Enlightenment. Citation: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/later-europe-and-americas/enlightenment-revolution/a/wright-of-derby-a-philosopher-lecturing-on-the-orrery -
The Swing, 1767, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, French
The Swing is an oil on canvas painting from the Rococo period, featuring the iconic pastel colors. Commissioned by a wealthy nobleman, the painting depicts said nobleman perversely looking up the skirt of his mistress. The brushwork makes the piece feel very dreamy overall. Citation https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/later-europe-and-americas/enlightenment-revolution/v/fragonard-the-swing-1767 -
Oath of the Horatii, 1785, Jacques-Louis David, French (painted in Rome)
The Oath of the Horatii is, unsurprisingly, painted in David's famous neoclassical style. The three young men on the left are saluting their father, while their wives lie in anguish on the right. The painting was revolutionary, seeking to inspire republicans to fight against the monarchy of France. Citation: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/monarchy-enlightenment/neo-classicism/a/david-oath-of-the-horatii -
Liberty Leading the People, 1830, Eugène Delacroix, French
The painting is in French romanticism, depicting the French revolution. The woman dominating the painting represents liberty; she is leading the republicans of France to their freedom. The painting is very patriotic, as the artist seeks to proudly preserve the revolution. Citation: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/later-europe-and-americas/enlightenment-revolution/a/delacroix-liberty-leading -
Slave Ship, 1840, Joseph Mallord William Turner, British
The painting, based off a real story, depicts slaves being thrown overboard so that the merchant could receive the most profits. Turner painted this gruesome subject in order to shed light on the horrors of the slave trade. He hoped to spur anti-slavery efforts with this stunningly colorful, yet dismal, painting. Citation: http://www.theartstory.org/artist-turner-jmw-artworks.htm
