Romanticism Intro

R o m a n t i c i s mR o m a n t i c i s m An Introduction

Comparison of Issues: Comparison of Issues: The Classic vs. The RomanticThe Classic vs. The Romantic

Essential Essential valuesvalues

Control Rules

Structure

Freedom Experimentation Meaning

InsightInsight Surface Meaning

Depth

AwarenessAwareness Conscious Unconscious (subconscious)

SourceSource Left Brain Right Brain

AestheticsAesthetics “Delight and

Instruct”

“Insights to the Mind and Heart”

ControlControl Objectivity Passion and Emotion

Comparison of Issues: Comparison of Issues: The Classic vs. The RomanticThe Classic vs. The Romantic

Core Concepts ICore Concepts I

Historic Setting: Early 19th century peak, particularly strong in France but spreads quickly throughout Europe and to a lesser degree, the US.

Industrialization and urbanization forced rapid relocations in populations; displacement and painful modernizations created yearning for relief and escape. Links to revolution/change.

Core Concepts IICore Concepts II

Attitude: On one hand it is a similar idea to

Neoclassicism in that it sought to create a certain atmosphere (idealism) as a remedy to modern life.

Yet it was opposed to Neoclassicism in all of its manifestations (visually and philosophically).

Core Concepts IIICore Concepts III

exuberant lifeindividualized experience

spirit of revolution (France, 1848) drama, exotica

complexity/dualisms (Napoleon is the typical

example) awe of nature

the sublime

Gericault, Raft of the Medusa -considered to be first work in this direction

Delacroix, Liberty Leading the People – example of work from the greatest Romantic artist

Gros, Napoleon Visiting the Plague-stricken at Jaffra

-what makes Napoleon a Romantic hero?

West, Death of General Wolfe – multiple themes: fallen spiritual leader, heaven and earth, spectrum of human condition,“noble savage”

Borrowing of theme and Borrowing of theme and compostioncompostion

The SublimeThe Sublime1. elevated or lofty in thought, language

Paradise Lost is sublime poetry.

2. impressing the mind with a sense of grandeur or power; inspiring awe, veneration

Switzerland has sublime scenery.

3. supreme or outstandinga sublime dinner

Fuseli, The Nightmare

Turner, The Slave Ship

Not limited to paintingNot limited to painting

Fantasy architecture

including Gothick Follies

such as this tower

in Stowe, England

Nash, Royal Pavilion at Brighton

Garnier, Opera House, Paris