Module 6: Nineteenth Century Art

This module surveys 19th‑century art across Western painting, sculpture, graphic arts, photography, architecture and decorative arts. It covers how artists responded to social, political and industrial changes — revolutions, the rise of consumerism, advances in technology, travel and shifting cultural values — and how those forces shaped artistic expression in a rapidly changing world.

Why This Module Matters

The 19th century was a turning point in the evolution of art — with industrialization, political upheaval and new media redefining what art could be. This module helps you analyze how art intersected with social and technological change, laying the foundation for modern artistic movements and broadening the scope of visual expression.

• Recognize how Romanticism, Realism and Symbolism responded to modern life, industry and shifting values.
• Understand the impact of photography, urbanisation, and changing social structures on art and artists.
• Gain insight into how 19th‑century art forms — painting, sculpture, prints, architecture and decorative arts — evolved in response to historical change.

By the end of Module 6, you’ll be able to interpret 19th‑century works with awareness of their social, political and technological contexts and understand their role in the transition toward modern art.

What You’ll Learn

• Romanticism
  How emotion, nature, and individualism shaped art amid upheaval and industrial change.
• Realism
  How artists depicted everyday life and social realities in a changing world.
• Symbolism & Modern Thought
  Exploring personal expression, subjectivity, and symbolism during social unrest.
• Media & Technological Advances
  How photography, graphic arts, and new materials shaped 19th‑century visual language.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze Key Movements
  Analyze Romanticism, Realism, and Symbolism to trace themes, style, and social impact.
• Compare Media & Techniques
  See how paintings, sculpture, architecture, and photography reshaped artistic expression.
• Contextual Interpretation
  Contextualize art within the political, industrial and social changes of the 19th century.
• Trace Art’s Evolution
  See how 19th‑century developments paved the way for modernism.

Module Content

This module covers the following topics:

• Introduction
• Romanticism
• Realism
• Symbolism
• Summary

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 6, you will:

• Understand the major 19th‑century art movements and their historical context.
• Be able to analyze artworks in relation to style, medium and social background.
• Recognize the influence of industrial, social and technological change on artistic expression.
• Have a strong foundation for studying modern and contemporary art in subsequent modules.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our expert tutors provide Module 6‑specific guidance: they’ll help you analyze works from Romanticism, Realism and Symbolism, understand how emerging media and technologies shaped art, and contextualize artworks within the turbulent social, political and industrial backdrop of the 19th century. Through constructive feedback they’ll support your growing ability to interpret artworks with depth and historical awareness — preparing you for modern and contemporary art analysis.