Introduction to the Romanticism Art Movement
The Romanticism art movement is an 18th-century Western art movement this art movement reached its momentum in the 19th century, this art movement was artistic, literary, and intellectual. This art movement was the rejection of calm and rational art like classism rather its main focus of interest was on independence, emotions, and the glorious aspects of nature. Romanticism’s prime concern was the artist’s unique, independent imagination above the harshness of classical form. The movement focused on intense emotion which brought an authentic source of aesthetic experience. The father of this art movement was Jean Jacques Rousseau.
Romanticism: A Rejection of Classicism
The term romanticism was used by the early nineteenth century to elaborate the movement in art and literature which was prominent by a new interest in human psychology, expression of personal feeling, and interest in the human world. The key focus of interest in this art movement was to celebrate an individual and the glorification of nature. More categorically the romantics wanted to embrace the separateness of the human soul, which they feel is reflected in and deeply connected to the savageness of nature.
Key Themes of Romanticism in Art and Literature
Some of the important themes of this art movement include nature, heroism, individualism, revolution, in-depth emotions, imagination, landscapes, and exoticism. The Romantics refused the idea of rationalism and the way of the Enlightenment period, but instead commemorated the unpredictable and subjective themes. The Romantics had an intense admiration of the beauties of nature; a common exhilaration of the emotions rather than the facts or reasons and the senses over intellect; a turning in upon the self and a heightened examination of human personality. The general topics of Romanticism that are included in art or literature are folklore, emotions, horror, love, nature, individualism, the supernatural, and religion.
The Artistic Techniques of Romanticism
The key characteristics of this magnificent art movement are first there was too much emphasis on the artist’s emotions and individualism. During this art movement nature was extremely celebrated and the natural world was also. The artists were more interested in superficial and mysterious things. They also started to divert their interest in the imagination and subconsciousness. The artist was also concerned about the past and nostalgia. One of the main techniques adopted by many Romantic painters was the use of tiny yet close strokes of complementary colors to create brightness and realistic visual effects. This artistic technique was later adopted by the Impressionists, who added their unique interpretation of the method. The color pallet was somber during this art movement they used blues, grays, and browns creating a grim atmosphere, typical of Romanticism art.
Notable Romantic Artists and Their Masterpieces
The pioneers of this art movement are Caspar David Friedrich, Theodore Gericault, Eugene Delacroix, and Francisco Goya. Caspar David Friedrich was a German Romantic landscape painter who was considered the most important artist. His famous artwork is Wanderer above the sea fog. Théodore Géricault was a French painter and lithographer whose most famous painting is The Raft of the Medusa. Eugène Delacroix was a French Romantic artist who is considered the key person of the French Romantic art school is most famous artwork is considered Liberty Leading the People. Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker. His famous artwork is The Third of The May 1808.
Conclusion
- This art movement was an artistic, literary, and intellectual art movement.
- Romanticism’s prime concern was the artist’s unique, independent imagination above the harshness of classical form.
- Topics like nature, heroism, individualism, revolution, in-depth emotions, imagination, landscapes and exoticism.
- The artist adopted many Romantic painters who use tiny yet close strokes of complementary colors to create brightness and realistic visual effects.
