The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831) by Katsushika Hokusai

Romanticism

Passion's bold canvas,

Romanticism's wild heart,

Nature's deep echo.

From:

1800

To:

1850

Academic Art

Realism

The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831) by Katsushika Hokusai

1800

We believe in the power of imagination, emotion, and individuality, celebrating the sublime beauty of nature and the depths of human experience.

Characteristics

Emotion over Reason

Romanticism, which emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, reacted against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and rationality. Romanticism celebrated intense emotion, individual experience, and the sublime aspects of nature. This shift is evident in the works of artists like Caspar David Friedrich, who depicted vast, awe-inspiring landscapes that evoke deep emotional responses.

Individualism

Romanticism placed a high value on individual expression and the subjective experience. This focus on personal vision and inner life is seen in the autobiographical elements of many Romantic works and the emphasis on the artist's unique perspective. William Blake's visionary paintings and poetry exemplify this emphasis on individual creativity and spiritual experience.

The Sublime:

Romantic philosophers and artists were deeply fascinated by the sublime, a concept describing the beauty and terror of nature that inspires awe and wonder. Edmund Burke's philosophical inquiry into the sublime and the beautiful influenced many Romantic artists, who sought to capture the overwhelming power and majesty of nature in their work. J.M.W. Turner’s dramatic seascapes and landscapes are prime examples of this fascination.

Pantheism and Transcendentalism

Some Romantic thinkers and artists, influenced by ideas of pantheism and transcendentalism, saw nature as a manifestation of the divine. This spiritual view of nature is reflected in the works of poets like William Wordsworth and painters like Thomas Cole, who depicted nature as a source of spiritual renewal and profound insight.

Critique of Industrialization

Romanticism arose as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, which was seen as dehumanizing and alienating. Romantic artists often idealized rural life and the natural world, contrasting it with the bleakness of industrial cities. John Constable’s pastoral scenes and the nostalgic landscapes of the Hudson River School reflect this idealization of nature and rural life.

Nationalism

Romanticism also played a role in the rise of nationalism, as artists and writers sought to rediscover and celebrate the unique cultural identities of their nations. This is evident in the works of composers like Frédéric Chopin, who incorporated Polish folk music into his compositions, and artists like Francisco Goya, whose paintings often reflected Spanish national themes.

Folklore and Mythology

Romantic artists and writers drew heavily on folklore, mythology, and medieval legends, viewing them as authentic expressions of a nation's spirit. This interest in the past is evident in the works of writers like Sir Walter Scott and the paintings of the German Nazarene movement, which depicted scenes from medieval and biblical history.

Imagination

Romanticism celebrated the power of the imagination as a source of artistic inspiration and a means of transcending ordinary reality. Artists like Eugène Delacroix and Francisco Goya created works that were rich in imagination and fantasy, often exploring themes of heroism, adventure, and the supernatural.

The Supernatural

The Romantic fascination with the mysterious and the supernatural is reflected in the Gothic revival in literature and art. This is seen in the dark, brooding landscapes of artists like John Martin and the eerie, otherworldly scenes depicted by writers like Edgar Allan Poe.

Revolutionary Spirit

Romanticism was also marked by a revolutionary spirit and a quest for political and social change. Many Romantic artists and writers supported the ideals of freedom and equality espoused by the French Revolution. This spirit is captured in works like Delacroix’s "Liberty Leading the People," which celebrates the fight for freedom.

Existential Exploration

Romanticism delved into existential themes, exploring the nature of the self, the human condition, and the quest for meaning. This introspective quality is evident in the poetry of Lord Byron and the introspective portraits of artists like Francisco Goya.