Liberal Studies

Over the course of the eighteenth century and extending well into the nineteenth century the themes and the intended audiences for visual art, music and literature changed and arguably expanded as subject matter became more varied styles more clearly individualistic, and the consumers more diverse in socio-economic status. We have discussed among other factors the impact of the IndustrialRevolution. Rousseau and Smith represent different components of these changes. On the simplest level one could say that Positivism continued in the works of Smith and can be associated with the classicizing strains in art and music, while Rousseau points in a different direction that anticipates Romanticism. Beethoven is a bridge from one artistic approach to the other. In a two-four page paper with a clearly stated thesis reflect on the relationships among these various strands. For example, what is the connection between Neoclassicism and the Rococo? How does the appearance of Classical music relate to the Baroque music that precedes it? How exactly does Beethoven fit in?      

Sample Solution