Romanticism

Romanticism in the artistic sense….well it is a culmination of art, literature, and intellect. Romanticism was a movement that started during the 18th century. It has very little to do with what is commonly thought of as “romantic.” This movement placed a great deal of emphasis on emotion and nature; it was more about how people perceived themselves and the world around them. It is interesting because during this time we see many different styles and there is a strong sense of individualism. So far in what we are learning it almost seems like the artists were all painting the same stuff over and over again. This is where we really see a change in content. The artists of this movement wanted to evoke some sort of emotion from the viewer whether it is awe or even horror. I think one of the reasons that I can appreciate much of the art from this time period is because it is kind of a rebellion against the social, religious, and political norms of the time (could we now be in need of a revolution). Not only is there a great deal of emotion in the art of the Romantics but many of the works are filled with luxurious color and bursting with power and energy. As far as subject matter goes there was a pursuit for a pureness of beauty. There were depictions of somewhat magical and far-away places that give the viewer a sense of escaping perhaps from the problems of real life. Nature played a huge part in this movement possibly even as a source of knowledge and a place of refuge. On the other hand there is also depictions of a grotesque nature like that of Francisco Goya’s “Saturn Devouring One of his Children.” In the end I have to say that I find this movement to be quite interesting and definitely one of the most visually stimulating movements thus far in the class.