During the Enlightenment, not only did philosophy and thinking flourish, but art and music also made great changes which reflected the mood and trains of thought of the times. At this time The Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture dominated all French art. Artists portrayed the humanist and rationalist ideals. Famed writers such as Diderot, were often portrayed in art. Composers composed more secular music, and even some pieces inspired by the political writers of the age. Some political writers, such as Rousseau even composed music of their own. The style of music and art in the Enlightenment are often described as avante-garde Romanticism.
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See Art of the Enlightenment