Why did many 19th century artists create pieces that aligned with the views of their government? They usually agreed with government policies, they cannot survive without the government, they were sponsored by wealthy patrons, they lived in fear of the Publics reactions
There can be multiple reasons why many 19th-century artists created pieces that aligned with the views of their government. Some of these reasons include:
1. Ideological alignment: Many artists of that time shared the same political or ideological beliefs as their government. This alignment might have been a genuine reflection of their personal convictions.
2. Survival and financial support: Artists often relied on the support and patronage of wealthy individuals or institutions. In some cases, the government itself acted as a patron, providing funding and resources to artists. To secure their livelihoods and continue their artistic practices, artists may have felt compelled to produce works that aligned with government views.
3. Societal expectations and conventions: 19th-century societies were often characterized by strict social norms and expectations. Artists who deviated from these norms risked public scrutiny, criticism, and rejection. Aligning their art with government-approved views reduced the chances of backlash and ensured their works were socially accepted.
4. Nationalism and patriotism: Many governments during this period promoted nationalism and patriotic sentiments. Artists, aiming to depict and celebrate their nation's achievements, culture, and heritage, often aligned their works with government-approved narratives. This alignment allowed artists to contribute to a shared national identity and foster a sense of unity among their fellow citizens.
5. Censorship and fear of public reactions: Governments exercised varying degrees of control over artistic expression in the 19th century. Artists might have felt compelled to align with government views to avoid censorship, legal repercussions, or public outrage. This fear of negative consequences likely influenced their artistic choices.
It is important to note that not all 19th-century artists aligned with their government's views, and there were also artists who actively questioned or criticized government policies. However, for those who did align, a combination of ideological agreement, financial considerations, conformity to societal norms, nationalism, and fear of public reactions played significant roles in shaping their artistic choices.