Biedermeier: Abandoning extravagance and finding beauty in the peaceful everyday
In the first half of the 19th century, after the Napoleonic Wars, a cultural style called Biedermeier was born in Europe, which rejected extravagant decoration and idealized a simple and peaceful life. This style spread mainly in German-speaking countries, influenced various fields such as painting, furniture, interior design, and music, and established a unique aesthetic sense that reflected the lifestyle and culture of the middle class. In this article, we will explain the characteristics and historical background of Biedermeier, representative artists and their works, and the influence of Biedermeier in modern times. artgraph.jp sells posters that faithfully reproduce the masterpieces of Biedermeier masters with high-definition giclee prints. Why not decorate your room with the peaceful beauty of everyday life depicted by Biedermeier?
What is Biedermeier? - Simplicity and practicality
Biedermeier is a cultural style and lifestyle that was popular in Europe, mainly in German-speaking countries, for about 30 years from the Congress of Vienna in 1815 to the March Revolution in 1848. Reflecting the social situation after the Napoleonic Wars, it embodies the values of the middle class, avoiding political and social unrest and placing importance on family life and private life. The origin of the word Biedermeier comes from Gottlieb Biedermeier, a fictional character who is frugal and conservative and appears in a German satirical magazine.
The distinctive features of Biedermeier are as follows:
- Simplicity: Biedermeier rejected the extravagant and decorative styles of Baroque and Rococo, and instead emphasized simple and functional design. Furniture and interiors were characterized by clear shapes and a focus on practicality, with no unnecessary decoration. Local woods such as cherry, ash, and mahogany were used as materials.
- Family life: The Biedermeier placed great importance on family life and private life. They idealized a peaceful lifestyle that valued time with family and friends and enjoyed music, literature, and art. The motifs of their paintings often depict everyday life, such as family portraits, interior paintings, and still lifes.
- Interest in nature: The Biedermeier period fostered an interest in nature, and landscape and floral painting flourished. They also enjoyed outdoor activities such as gardening and hiking. Nature was seen as a source of healing and inner peace.
- Handicrafts: The Biedermeier placed great importance on the value of handmade items. Embroidery, knitting, paper cutting and many other handicrafts were enjoyed and often given as gifts to family and friends. These handicrafts have a simple yet delicate beauty.
History of Biedermeier - Stability and peace after the Napoleonic Wars
Biedermeier was born in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars, in an atmosphere of social and political stability. Having experienced the exhaustion and chaos caused by the war, people eschewed flashy ostentation and participation in political activities, turning instead to family and private life. Reflecting this trend of the times, Biedermeier idealized a calm and peaceful lifestyle. Biedermeier is also closely related to the rise of the middle class. With the progress of the Industrial Revolution, the middle class gained economic power and formed their own unique culture and values. Biedermeier can be said to be a style that reflected the lifestyle of the middle class and expressed their aesthetic sensibilities.
Representative artists and works of Biedermeier
Biedermeier artists were active in many fields, including painting, furniture design, interior design and music. The most famous of these artists are Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, Karl Spitzweg and Franz Schubert.
- Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller: Austrian painter. He was active in a wide range of genres, including portraits, landscapes, and genre paintings. His works are characterized by their careful depiction of detail and delicate expression of light and shadow. His representative works include "Young Woman at a Window" and "The Expected One".
- Karl Spitzweg: Austrian painter. He painted the cityscape of Vienna and the lives of the middle class. His works are full of humor and satire, and vividly convey the social customs of the time. His representative works include "The Post Coach" and "The Chess Players".
- Franz Schubert: Austrian composer. He left behind many works, including songs, chamber music, and piano pieces. His music is characterized by lyrical and emotional melodies, and reflects the spirit of the Biedermeier movement. His representative works include "Erlkönig," "The Rose," and "Unfinished Symphony."
Modern-day influence of Biedermeier
Since the mid-19th century, Biedermeier has been overshadowed by new styles such as historicism and Art Nouveau. However, since the second half of the 20th century, Biedermeier's simple, functional design and peaceful lifestyle have been reevaluated. It can be said that the trend in modern design that emphasizes simplicity and functionality is influenced by Biedermeier. In addition, works that reference the aesthetics of Biedermeier can be seen in contemporary art as well.
Biedermeier is a style that reflects the social conditions of the first half of the 19th century and expresses the lifestyle and aesthetic sense of the middle class. Its simple and calm beauty is soothing to us even today, and reminds us of the importance of life.
Biedermeier masterpieces on artgraph.jp
artgraph.jp sells posters that faithfully reproduce masterpieces by Biedermeier masters such as Waldmüller and Spitzweg in high-definition giclee prints. Why not decorate your room with the serene beauty of everyday life depicted by the Biedermeier and reminisce about the European lifestyle in the first half of the 19th century?
Find Biedermeier posters on artgraph.jp
