TONALISM Meaning and
Definition
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Tonalism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century in the United States, primarily during the 1880s to the early 1900s. It is often associated with landscape painting and is characterized by its emphasis on mood, atmosphere, and the tonal qualities of color.
In tonalism, artists sought to capture the essence of a scene or subject matter by employing a muted palette of predominantly dark, earthy tones. The focus was not on the precise representation of objects or realistic details, but rather on the overall harmonious blend of color and light to convey a particular mood or emotional response. This resulted in serene, dreamlike, and often hazy or indistinct compositions.
Tonalist artists often utilized various techniques to achieve their desired effects, such as employing soft brushwork, diffused lighting, and subtle gradations of tone to create a sense of tranquility and mystery. The paintings frequently depicted landscapes, nocturnal scenes, or atmospheric phenomena, emphasizing the subtle nuances of color and light that were considered symbolic of the transitory nature of existence.
Tonalism can be seen as a reaction against the more detailed and vibrant styles of the Hudson River School and the Impressionists, focusing instead on subjective experiences and conveying a sense of introspection and spirituality. The movement had a significant influence on American landscape painting and played a crucial role in the development of modern art by highlighting the power of expression through simplification, abstraction, and mood.
Common Misspellings for TONALISM
- tinalism
- fonalism
- tonalis
- ronalism
- gonalism
- yonalism
- 6onalism
- 5onalism
- tknalism
- tlnalism
- tpnalism
- t0nalism
- t9nalism
- tobalism
- tomalism
- tojalism
- tohalism
- tonzlism
- tonslism
- tonwlism
Etymology of TONALISM
The word "tonalism" is derived from the term "tone", which originates from the Latin word "tonus", meaning "sound" or "tone". In music, "tone" refers to a specific pitch or frequency. The suffix "-alism" is added to "tone", forming "tonalism", which indicates a focus on or association with tones. In the context of art, tonalism refers to a style of painting that emphasizes atmospheric or moody effects, often through the use of muted tones or monochromatic color schemes. The term "tonalism" gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, describing a movement within American landscape painting.
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