Romanticism and Realism (in class 1/25)

Introduction to Romanticism

• Definition of Romanticism: Reflected ideals of love and longing, often associated with simpler times and emotions.

• Cultural Context: Originated in reaction to Enlightenment and Neoclassical movements, emphasizing emotion over reason.

Romantic Ideals

• Romantic Love: Traditional associations with love, chivalry, and Valentine's Day mentioned.

• Romantic Individualism: Focus on personal emotion, experience, and subjectivity.

  • Romantic heroes (e.g., Lord Byron) epitomized freedom and emotional expression.

Historical Background

• Reaction to Enlightenment: Early 19th century; Congress of Vienna's conservative outcomes led to a rise in Romanticism.

• Geographical Focus: Particularly strong in Northern Europe, especially England and Germany.

• Cultural Nationalism: Growth of national identity in regions like Germany, where art reflected efforts to define German identity.

Key Characteristics of Romanticism

1. Emphasis on Emotion

   • Rejection of strict rationality of Enlightenment; focusing on human passion.

2. Celebration of Nature

   • Contrast to industrialization; artworks displaying nature's beauty and chaos.

3. Interest in the Past

   • Return to medieval themes, gothic architecture, and the occult are popular; a longing for "simpler times".

4. Critique of Industry

   • Artists voiced concerns about the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and technology.

5. Individual Expression

   • Romanticism encouraged personal creativity and intuition over formalities of Classical thought.

Notable Figures

• Lord Byron: A key figure representing Romantic ideals; known for his travels and romantic escapades, appealing to youthful rebellion.

Themes in Romantic Art and Literature

• Contradictory Ideas: Conflicted beliefs about individual rights, the role of emotion, and societal norms during the Romantic period.

• Nationalism in Romantic Art

  • Artists like Delacroix produced works celebrating national pride, such as

    • Liberty Leading the People and pieces related to Greek independence.

• Foreign Cultures and Exoticism: As imperialism grew, artists began exploring foreign cultures in their works, emphasizing contrast between cultures (e.g., North Africa).

Gothic and Macabre Themes

• Return to Gothic Style: Artists revisiting medieval styles; fascination with the dark aspects of human nature (e.g., death, the occult).

• Depiction of Death: Notable artists like Friedrich and Blake explored themes of death and existential angst in their work.

Conclusion

• Impact of Romanticism: Reshaped artistic expression and cultural identity in Europe, providing a profound reaction to the age's intellectual and societal upheavals.

• Legacy: Romanticism remains influential, affirming the significance of emotional experience and individualism.

Concise Version

Introduction to Romanticism

• Definition: Ideals of love and longing, rooted in emotional experience.

• Cultural Context: Reacted against Enlightenment and Neoclassicism, prioritizing passion over reason.

Romantic Ideals

• Romantic Love: Tied to chivalry and traditional celebrations like Valentine's Day.

• Individualism: Emphasizes personal emotion and subjective experience, exemplified by romantic heroes like Lord Byron.

Historical Background

• Emerged in early 19th century, influenced by the conservative outcomes of the Congress of Vienna.

• Strong in Northern Europe, particularly in England and Germany; fueled cultural nationalism.

Key Characteristics

• Emotion: Emphasizes human passion over rationality.

• Nature: Celebrates natural beauty as a contrast to industrialization.

• Past: Draws on medieval themes and a nostalgic longing for simplicity.

• Industry: Critiques dehumanizing effects of industrial progress.

• Expression: Promotes individual creativity over classical norms.

Notable Figures

• Lord Byron: Embodiment of Romantic ideals, known for his adventurous and rebellious spirit.

Themes in Art and Literature

• Conflicted beliefs about rights, emotion, and societal norms.

• Nationalism: Artists like Delacroix showcased national pride and foreign cultures.

• Gothic and Macabre: Revisiting medieval aesthetics and exploring themes of death.

Conclusion

• Romanticism significantly reshaped European artistic expression and cultural identity, influencing the legacy of emotional experience and individualism.