Decorativeism (
decoratif — embellishment, spectacularity) is the stylistic basis of fine art, which introduces an artificial composition, detail arrangement and elements of “sugar-coating” into the works of art. Artists rely on their taste, intuition, sense of proportion. As the idea is realized, the artists determine the distance by which they move away from literal reproduction: they exaggerate the aesthetics, but preserve the nature. The creative task and the technique of the picture influence on the extent to which the artist enhances the entertainment, symbolism and emotional content of the picture. Decorativeism can both transform and exalt art, and cheapen or destroy a masterpiece.
The elements of decorativeism have been present in the visual arts since its inception. In the era of the Late Renaissance, the embellishment gradually stood out in an independent trend and received the definition of “lower art”. In Asia and the Arab world, decorativeism retained its leadership until the 21st century. In Europe, the style evolved in the 17th century in France under the auspices of Louis XIV. The
Baroque artists embellished their spectacular monumental canvases, which became the permanent attributes of the palaces of aesthetic kings. The bright and oversaturated style gave way to light and gallant painting of the middle 18th century. It served to create tapestries, porcelain, mosaic and jewellery. At the end of the 19th century, the elements of “intellectual decorativeism” were preserved in the work of the impressionists.
The artworks of this style can be created in a variety of techniques: oil painting, drawings and graphics, sculpture and mosaics. Landscape painting is full of flowering bushes, bright birds and insects, juicy fruits. In religious scenes, the faces of the Madonnas touch the soul with a pretty girlish appearance and a naive look. Still lifes and genre scenes are distinguished by decorative objects, lush interiors and luxurious outfits. The canvas is filled with bright warm colours, ornate lines, intricate textures. The work of art and its elements do not seek to conform to academic canons, but adorn the space, improve the emotional state of the audience, and provide aesthetic pleasure.
Famous decorativeist pictures:
“Calliope, Urania and Terpsichore” 1670s by Pierre Minyard; “
The Apotheosis of Louis XIV” 1660, “Louis XIV Visiting the Gobelins Factory” 1673 Charles Lebrun; “
Weekdays of Montmartre” 1961 George Malakov.
Famous decorativeist artists:
Charles Lebrun,
Pierre Minyard, Nicolas Minyard,
Paul Cézanne,
Henri Matisse.
