Before the 1500s, who and what were the final authorities with regard to most knowledge?

The church and it's leaders, the bible, and the king/queen. If they could not come up with an answer to a question, they would say that God did it.

2.What was the legacy of the Enlightenment?

Role of the philosophes: The philosophes are not activists, but inspire major revolutions-Belief in progress: scientific breakthroughs show human capacity to improve society-A more secular outlook: new knowledge of the world leads people to question religious ideas. Voltaire and others criticize beliefs and practices of christianity. -Importance of the individual: people place more emphasis on individual rights and abilities. Reason becomes a central concept for rulers

Why were several rulers in 18th century Europe known as enlightened despots?
The enlightenment ideas appealed to millions of people. While most of them were poor or homeless, there were those in the upper class who also agreed with the idea of natural rights. They used their power to pass through new, enlightened ideas as laws or rules.
What were the defining aspects of neoclassical art?
It tried to imitate classical subjects and heroic poses.

2. Don't you think you should also mention the French and American revolutions?

Others are o.k.

To determine the defining aspects of neoclassical art, one can examine its key features:

1. Imitation of Classical Subjects: Neoclassical art aimed to emulate the artistic style and themes of ancient Greece and Rome. Artists turned to classical mythology, history, and literature for inspiration, depicting scenes and figures from these sources.

2. Heroic Poses and Idealized Figures: Neoclassical artists often portrayed their subjects in heroic poses, emphasizing strength, dignity, and idealized beauty. The figures were carefully crafted to represent the epitome of physical and moral perfection.

3. Symmetry and Order: Neoclassical art placed great emphasis on symmetry and balance in composition. Artists sought to create harmonious and orderly compositions, often influenced by the principles of classical architecture.

4. Clear and Precise Technique: Neoclassical artists aimed for highly detailed and precise rendering of forms. They used smooth brushwork, sharp lines, and a meticulous approach to capture even the smallest details with accuracy.

5. Moral and Political Messages: Neoclassicism often conveyed moral or political messages through its subject matter. Artists used their works to uphold virtues such as courage, honor, and patriotism, reflecting the ideals of the Enlightenment era.

It is important to note that while these characteristics generally define neoclassical art, there may be variations and differences within the movement based on individual artists and their interpretations.

Neoclassical art, which emerged in the 18th century, was characterized by the following defining aspects:

1. Imitation of Classical Subjects: Neoclassical artists drew inspiration from the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. They often depicted mythological and historical subjects, aiming to evoke feelings of grandeur and nobility.

2. Heroic Poses: Neoclassical artists portrayed their subjects in grand, heroic poses, emphasizing strength, power, and idealized proportion. Figures were often portrayed in dynamic, action-oriented positions.

3. Rationality and Order: Neoclassicism embraced the ideals of reason, logic, and order. Artists sought to create harmonious compositions, featuring stable and balanced arrangements of forms and figures.

4. Simplicity and Clarity: Neoclassical art favored clarity and simplicity of form. Artists used clean lines, clear delineation of shapes, and minimal ornamentation to create a sense of clarity and focus on the subject.

5. Moral and Political Themes: Neoclassical art often carried moral and political messages. Artists sought to convey virtuous and patriotic ideals, reflecting the values of the Enlightenment era and advocating for social and political reform.

It is important to note that these defining aspects of neoclassical art were influenced by the intellectual and cultural shifts of the Enlightenment period.