Exploring Morality in the Arts of the Classical Era

In this period, spanning roughly from the late 17th to the early 19th century, was marked by significant social, political, and philosophical changes, which greatly influenced artistic expression. Through the lens of morality, I will aim to understand how artists of this era grappled with ethical questions and conveyed their beliefs through their works.

Morality was a central concern in the Classical era, as thinkers and artists alike thought about questions of virtue, immorality, and the human condition. The Enlightenment ideals of reason, rationality, and individualism challenged traditional religious and societal norms, prompting artists to explore new avenues of expression and critique. Morality was not just a subject matter for artists; it was also embedded in their techniques, compositions, and symbolism, inviting viewers to reflect on ethical dilemmas and societal values.

For the first work, Fragonard's "The Swing" it is a classic example of Rococo art, a style known for its extravagance, playfulness, and sensuality. On the surface, the painting depicts a carefree scene of a young woman enjoying a swing, while a hidden suitor gazes up at her from below. However, beneath its playful exterior lies a commentary on moral immorality and societal hypocrisy (The Swing 2017). The woman's flirtatious gesture and the voyeuristic gaze of the hidden admirer challenge traditional notions of virtue and propriety, inviting viewers to question the moral fabric of aristocratic society.

1. Title: "The Swing"

    Artist: Jean-Honoré Fragonard

    Date: 1767

    Place: France

For the second art piece, Jacques-Louis David's "The Death of Socrates" this is also a classical work that captures the final moments of the ancient Greek philosopher as he drinks poison hemlock. Set against a distinct background, Socrates is portrayed as a stoic figure, calmly accepting his fate as he engages in philosophical discourse with his disciples (Hale et al. 2022). The painting serves as a powerful allegory for moral integrity and intellectual courage, as Socrates chooses death over compromise of his principles (Hale et al. 2022). David's careful attention to detail and dramatic lighting heighten the emotional impact of the scene, evoking a sense of reverence and admiration for Socrates' unwavering commitment to truth and justice.

2. Title: "The Death of Socrates"

Artist: Jacques-Louis David

Date:1787

Place: France

For the third one, Francisco Goya's "The Third of May 1808" in my opinion is a perfect portrayal of the Spanish resistance against Napoleon's troops during the Peninsular War. Set on a darkened backdrop, the painting shows the execution of Spanish civilians by French soldiers, lightened by the glare of firing squad rifles (Zappella et al. 2024). Goya's use of chiaroscuro - an Italian term which means light-dark, expressive brushwork that imbues the scene with a sense of immediacy and horror, capturing the brutality of war and the moral complexities of violence and resistance (Zappella et al. 2024). Through this powerful depiction, Goya confronts viewers with the harsh realities of human suffering and the moral obligation to resist oppression and injustice.

3. Title: "The Third of May 1808"

     Artist: Francisco Goya

     Date: 1814

     Place: Spain

Each of these works bring out a unique emotional response, ranging from delight and intrigue to dignity and resentment. Fragonard's "The Swing" captivates with its cheerful charm and seductive allure, while David's "The Death of Socrates" commands respect and admiration for its portrayal of moral fortitude. Goya's "The Third of May 1808," on the other hand, evokes a natural sense of horror and outrage at the atrocities of war.

As for ownership, while I may not necessarily acquire a copy of these works, I believe they belong in public institutions such as museums and galleries, where they can be appreciated by diverse audiences and serve as artifacts for reflection and dialogue. Each work possesses a rich backstory that resonates with timeless themes of morality, justice, and human resilience, inviting people to engage critically with the ethical dilemmas of their own time.

Work cited

Hale, Charlotte, and Silvia A. Centeno. “The Death of Socrates: New Discoveries.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 5 May 2022, www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/articles/2022/5/the-death-of-socrates-new-discoveries#:~:text=At%20every%20step%20in%20the,a%20goblet%20of%20poison%20hemlock.

“The Swing.” Artble, Artble, 19 July 2017, www.artble.com/artists/jean-honore_fragonard/paintings/the_swing. 

Zappella, Christine, and Christine Zappella. “Francisco Goya, the Third of May, 1808.” Smarthistory Francisco Goya The Third of May 1808 Comments, 2024, smarthistory.org/goya-third-of-may-1808/.