Table of Contents
Period: 1780 – 1850
Characteristics: Emotion and individualism, love of nature, rebellion against established norms
Events: French Revolution (1789-1799), American Civil War (1861–1865), Industrial Revolution (1760-1840)
Romanticism was a pivotal artistic movement that swept through Europe from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries. It was a revolutionary departure from the Neoclassical and Baroque movements. By countering the rationality of the Enlightenment, it transformed the aesthetic landscape.
During this period, artists rejected the order and rationality of Neoclassicism and the theatricality of Baroque, instead embracing emotion, individuality, and a profound appreciation for nature. They were captivated by the ‘sublime’, a concept that refers to the awe-inspiring, often terrifying, aspects of nature or human experience. Their art became a platform for expressing intense personal feelings and experiences, often emphasising the power and beauty of the natural world, the human figure, and historical and mythological subjects.
Origins of Romanticism
Romanticism was not an isolated movement but a product of a time marked by significant political, societal, and cultural changes. It emerged as a response to a world heavily influenced by empirical science and reason during the Enlightenment of the mid-18th century. This period, known as the Age of Reason, promoted an ethos of reason, framing the world within the bounds of logic and analysis, which heavily impacted art, literature, and philosophy by treating reality as an entity to be studied, dissected, and objectively understood. The French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution were two significant societal upheavals that also played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of the time, leading to the emergence of Romanticism.
However, as the 18th century progressed, a new generation began to rebel against the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason. They sought a different perspective on life and art, honouring emotion, individual experience, and personal interpretation. This desire led to the Romantic movement, signifying a significant departure from the Enlightenment’s principles.
Two pivotal events were crucial in triggering this cultural and intellectual shift. The first was the French Revolution, which highlighted the human yearning for liberty, equality, and individual rights, leading to an emphasis on personal freedom and expression in Romanticism. The second was the Industrial Revolution, which fundamentally reshaped society by causing rapid urbanisation and fostering a nostalgic yearning for a simpler, idealised past. Many Romantics turned to nature and history as sanctuaries from the encroaching industrial world.
During this cultural flux, a literary work that notably signalled the advent of Romantic sensibilities was The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, published in 1774. This novel perfectly captured the Romantic ethos with its intense focus on personal emotion, a deep bond with nature, and a keen exploration of the individual experience. The protagonist, Werther, embodied the quintessential Romantic hero – passionate, reflective, and tragically at odds with societal norms. The novel sparked a cultural phenomenon known as “Werther Fever,” as countless European readers identified with Werther’s emotional depth and enthusiasm, signalling a widespread shift towards Romantic ideals.
Characteristics of Romanticism
A focus on emotion, individualism, and imagination characterises Romanticism in art. Artists of this movement often depict dramatic and powerful scenes, emphasising the beauty of nature and the supernatural. Romantic artworks usually feature vibrant colours, dynamic compositions, and a sense of spontaneity, aiming to evoke strong emotional responses and create a sense of awe and wonder in the viewer. This artistic movement also celebrated the exotic, the mysterious, and the untamed, reflecting a longing for freedom and an escape from the constraints of society.
Romanticism in Painting
During Romanticism, artists began to explore the human soul, emotional depth, and the sublime power of nature. Two of the most renowned painters of this era were J.M.W. Turner and Caspar David Friedrich, who had distinct styles. Yet, both personified the ideals of the Romantic movement.
J.M.W. Turner, often called the “painter of light,” used innovative techniques to capture nature’s raw, untamed energy and beauty. His seascapes and landscapes, such as “The Fighting Temeraire” and “Snow Storm – Steam-Boat off a Harbour’s Mouth,” are notable for their atmospheric, almost abstract quality. Turner’s paintings evoked the sublime, inspiring awe, fear, and wonder at nature’s majesty and power.
On the other hand, Caspar David Friedrich‘s art focused on man’s relationship with nature. Unlike Turner’s dynamic seascapes, Friedrich’s landscapes were typically more tranquil, almost dreamlike, with a solitary figure often present. In works like “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” and “Monk by the Sea,” Friedrich used landscapes as a metaphor for emotional states, imbuing his work with spiritual and existential themes. His depictions of man dwarfed by nature conveyed a sense of the sublime, emphasising man’s insignificance in the face of nature’s grandeur.
Romanticism in Sculpture
During Romanticism, sculptures became more expressive and emotional, emphasising individualism and intense emotions. One of the most famous sculptures from this period is “Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss” by Antonio Canova. Although it is considered a neoclassical masterpiece, it has many characteristics that are part of the emerging movement of Romanticism. The sculpture depicts the revival of Psyche by the kiss of Cupid, conveying a sense of tender and ethereal beauty. It captures the moment when Psyche, a mortal woman, is brought back to life by the love of Cupid, the god of love, symbolising the triumph of love over death.
Canova’s “Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss” exemplifies the Romantic ideal of passion and sensuality, as seen in the intricate details of the figures and the flowing drapery that enhances the emotional intensity of the scene. The smooth marble surface and the graceful poses of the figures evoke a sense of timeless elegance and refinement, characteristic of Canova’s masterful craftsmanship. The sculpture’s emotional depth and depiction of love and longing make it a quintessential example of Romantic sculpture, showcasing the period’s fascination with mythology and the human experience.
Romanticism in Architecture
In architecture, Romanticism emerged as a reaction against the strict rules of neoclassicism, emphasising emotion, individualism, and a connection to nature. Romantic architecture sought to evoke a sense of awe and wonder, often through dramatic forms, irregular shapes, and a focus on the picturesque. This style often incorporated elements from medieval and gothic architecture, embracing a sense of nostalgia and celebrating the imperfect and unfinished.
One significant example of Romanticism in architecture is the Palace of Westminster in London, particularly the iconic clock tower known as Big Ben. The elaborate detailing of the Palace of Westminster’s pointed arches and ornate decorations reflects the romantic ideals of grandeur and historical revival. The building’s imposing presence along the River Thames and its incorporation of medieval architectural elements contribute to its romantic appeal, symbolising the power and historical significance of the British Parliament.
Conclusion
Romanticism was a transformative artistic movement that emerged as a response to the rationality of the Enlightenment and the societal upheavals of the time, such as the French and Industrial Revolutions. It celebrated emotion, individualism, and a profound love of nature, rejecting the established norms of Neoclassicism and Baroque art. Romanticism in painting, sculpture, and architecture provided a powerful platform for artists to express their intense personal feelings and experiences, often emphasising the power and beauty of the natural world and historical subjects. This movement left an indelible mark on Europe’s artistic and cultural landscape from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries, connecting deeply with the humanistic aspect of art.
