Life in the 1700's
by Juliana DiCesare
Introduction
Europe in the 1700's was a bustling time in which The Enlightenment took place. The Enlightenment had an effect on nearly everything like the arts, and on everyone of all social classes.
Music
The music during The Enlightenment followed order and had structure. Ballets and operas were popular and were performed at royal courts. Opera houses sprung up all over Europe.
Johann Sebastian Bach
Bach was born on March 21st, 1685 in Eisenach, Germany. His most famous works include Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, as well as Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.
George Frederick Handel
Handel was born on February 23rd, 1685. Although he was born in Germany, he spent most of his time in England. Some of his most prominent pieces are Messiah, which included voices and instrumentals. Also, another one of his great works was Waft Her Angels.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart was born in Salzburg Austria on January 27th, 1756. He was a music prodigy since the time he was a toddler. Some famous compositions of his include Serenade no. 13, The Marriage of Figaro, and The Magic Flute
Baroque
The Baroque style was very grand and complex. It relied on heavy splendor. Paintings were very large, colorful and full of excitement. They usually depicted saints or historic battles. A famous work was “The Assumption of the Virgin Mary” by Peter Paul Rubens.
Rococo
Unlike the Baroque style, Rococo wasn't as flashy and dramatic. The Rococo style was personal, elegant, and charming. It used things like delicate shells and flowers. Paintings often depicted nobles in rural settings with pets and servants. “The Swing” by Jean-Honoré Fragonard was a famous painting.
Peasant life
1700's peasants in Western Europe were typically more prosperous than those in Eastern Europe. In the west, some worked their own land, while some were tenants of landowners with vast property. They farmed the land and paid a yearly rent. Others hired themselves on land to work on other people’s farms. In Eastern Europe serfdom was still very prominent, and peasants owed services to their lords and were basically tied to them. In France, peasants still had to provide free service like repairing roads and bridges. In terms of food, peasants ate a lot of meat, bread, gruel, and soup. They drank milk and tea. For entertainment, they read, went to the theater to watch performances, and played sports and games.