Romanticism was an artistic, literary and intellectual movement that developed in Europe in the first half of the 19th century. It was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution and the rationalist ideals of the Enlightenment, emphasising instead emotion, individuality and the beauty of nature.
Characteristics of Romanticism:
Romantic art is characterised by its strong emphasis on emotion and individualism. Romantic artists strove to depict deep feelings and the beauty of unspoilt nature. Typical of Romanticism are dramatic, often melodramatic depictions, a passionate preoccupation with themes such as love, death and heroism, and a preference for exotic, historical and mystical subjects.
Romanticism produced some of the most influential artists in the history of art. Artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, known for his mystical landscapes, and Eugène Delacroix, famous for his passionate and dynamic scenes, were key figures in this movement. William Turner, often referred to as the “painter of light”, significantly influenced the development of modern art with his atmospheric landscapes and seascapes.
These artists influenced not only their own time, but also later generations. Their emphasis on emotion, individuality and the depiction of nature as a powerful, often uncontrollable force found its way into many modern art movements. Romanticism helped pave the way for Impressionism and Expressionism by emphasising subjective perception and the depiction of feelings.