These were know as "still life" paintings. Another style known as "genre" showed everyday scenes in clean, private households. One famous painter from this time period was Rembrant. Early in his career he painted to please his buyers. Later in his career he focused on pleasing himself. Sadly, he spent more money than he made and quickly got into debt. He spent his last years in poverty, he continued to be faithful to his first love of painting.
In the 18th century, Paris became the new center of the arts. Two new styles, Rococo and Neoclassical, that came about during this time were in strong contrast to each other. Many buildings and townhouses were decorated using these styles. Rococo rooms were more decorative and ornamental than the ones decorated in Neoclassical style. Rococo paintings were usually bright with happy, well-dressed people enjoying themselves outdoors. Neoclassical artists painted how they thought Ancient Romans would have painted and they mostly chose classical subjects. At this point in time, so many people were interested in art that many Societies were formed to display art. Rich buyers built up private collections of their own. In major European cities, at this time founded art academies in order to train aspiring artists.
Early in the 19th century, two new styles of are came about. They were Romantic and Realist. Romanticism came from a desire to escape the teachings of the art academies. Many Romantics looked to nature and history for their inspiration. The Realists started their style of painting as a reaction to the social and political upheaval of the time. The Realists painted the world as they saw it and chose everyday people and subjects for their works.
The Impressionists were very important in the world of art. The impressionistic period took place in the middle of the 1800s to the 1920s. Most impressionistic artists can be easily characterized.