Romanticism and Realism (in class 1/25)

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 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.

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.

Emphasis on Emotion
- Rejection of strict rationality of Enlightenment; focusing on human passion.
Celebration of Nature
- Contrast to industrialization; artworks displaying nature's beauty and chaos.
Interest in the Past
- Return to medieval themes, gothic architecture, and the occult are popular; a longing for "simpler times".
Critique of Industry
- Artists voiced concerns about the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and technology.
Individual Expression
- Romanticism encouraged personal creativity and intuition over formalities of Classical thought.

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

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).

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.

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.

Definition: Ideals of love and longing, rooted in emotional experience.
Cultural Context: Reacted against Enlightenment and Neoclassicism, prioritizing passion over reason.

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.

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.

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

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.

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