19th Century Art
The 19th century witnessed revolutionary transformations in art, from Neoclassicism through Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism. This era saw artists breaking from academic traditions, exploring new techniques, and capturing modern life with unprecedented immediacy.
Historical Context
The 19th century was marked by industrialization, urbanization, political revolutions, and the rise of photography. These changes profoundly influenced artistic movements, as artists responded to modernity, questioned academic conventions, and sought new ways to represent reality and emotion.
Key Characteristics
- Shift from academic traditions to modern approaches
- Emphasis on light, color, and atmospheric effects
- Focus on contemporary life and ordinary subjects
- Exploration of emotional expression and subjective experience
- Development of plein-air painting and new techniques
Notable Artists
Related Art Movements
Explore 19th Century Artworks
10,000 artworks from 1800-1899 available in our collection
Wine urn
Boston & Sandwich Glass Company
1869–80
Wine Goblet
Boston & Sandwich Glass Company
ca. 1867
Wine glass
Jersey Glass Company of George Dummer
ca. 1824–40
Wine Glass
Bakewell, Pears and Company
1850–70
Wine Glass
New England Glass Company
1860–70
Wine Glass
New England Glass Company
1860–70
Wine Glass
New England Glass Company
1860–70
Wine Glass
New England Glass Company
1860–70
Wine Goblet
Boston & Sandwich Glass Company
ca. 1867
Wine Goblet
Boston & Sandwich Glass Company
ca. 1867
Wine Glass
New England Glass Company
1850–80
Wine Glass
New England Glass Company
1850–80
Wine Glass
New England Glass Company
ca. 1883–88
Wine Glass
New England Glass Company
ca. 1883–88
Wine Glass
Hobbs, Brockunier and Company
ca. 1885–87
Wine Glass
Hobbs, Brockunier and Company
ca. 1885–87
Windowpane
Glasshouse of John and Craig Ritchie|Wheeling Flint Glass Works
1833–36
Windowpane
Boston & Sandwich Glass Company
1840–70
Window Cornice
John Jelliff
1868–70
Window Cornice
John Jelliff
1868–70
Window Cornice
John Jelliff
1868–70
Window Seat
Duncan Phyfe & Sons|Duncan Phyfe
ca. 1837
Whistle
Adam Ownhouse
ca. 1840–50
Water Pitcher
William F. Ladd
ca. 1846
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Explore Other Periods
18th Century
1700-1799
The 18th century, also known as the Age of Enlightenment, saw the flourishing of Rococo elegance and the emergence of Neoclassicism. This period celebrated reason, refinement, and classical ideals while producing ornate decorative arts and grand historical paintings.
Renaissance
1400-1600
The Renaissance marked a cultural rebirth that transformed European art. Artists rediscovered classical learning, developed linear perspective, and achieved unprecedented naturalism. This period produced some of history's greatest masterpieces and established principles that shaped Western art for centuries.
Baroque
1600-1750
The Baroque period brought drama, movement, and emotional intensity to European art. Characterized by bold contrasts of light and shadow, dynamic compositions, and theatrical grandeur, Baroque art served both Catholic Counter-Reformation propaganda and absolutist royal courts.