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RomanticismRomanticism is a creative movement that spanned literature, visual art, music, poetry, and architecture in the 18th and 19th centuries. Paintings by Eugène Delacroix and Caspar David Friedrich are among the movement's most well-known works, though writers and thinkers also contributed major works. Romanticism encouraged the expression of emotion by exploring more complex areas of human psychology and using nonhuman subjects to embody intense feelings. The movement also centered on the artist's individual experiences rather than objective depictions of major historical events typical of neoclassical art. The movement's emphasis on individualism and emotion redefined the role of the artist, and its ideas have endured or resurfaced throughout history in many disciplines. Romantic artists and their works became symbols of revolution, inspired other influential artists, and changed the landscape of art and literature.Explore Romanticism
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Why some writers believe there's a new romanticismJournalist and novelist Ross Barkan argues that a crushing political system and alienating technology have led people to become more interested in the offline, analog world and the beauty of nature and emotion. In this essay, he defines this as "the new romanticism," and predicts it will come to define the culture of the 2020s. Political CurrentsRomanticism changed the norms of the artworldRomanticism’s expressiveness led to a change in the norms of portrait painting, favoring emotion, nuance, and less conventional subjects. One such example is Géricault’s portraits of mental illness, depicting patients, including a kleptomaniac and a “child snatcher,” in states of expressive emotion. SmarthistoryLord Byron was Romanticism's chief heartthrobA prolific and often controversial figure in life and death, Lord Byron helped shape romanticism and left an enduring literary legacy, including creating the archetype of the Byronic hero. But Byron was more than just an artist—he was also a romantic era celebrity and predecessor to the modern rock star. You’re Dead to MeRomanticism continues to influence cultureThe breadth and impact of Romanticism and its emphasis on individualism, embracing emotion, and the power of nature outlived the formal boundaries of the movement’s popularity and continue to linger in the public consciousness. The School of LifeRomanticism challenged neoclassicalismNeoclassical artists believed in the promise of the Enlightenment—that logic was a cure-all for society’s problems—and sought to apply a similar rationality to their artwork. That meant straightforward, realistic work that portrayed historical scenes as close to real life as possible without any visible evidence of the artist’s handiwork. SmarthistoryDelacroix's painting 'Liberty Leading the People' is one of romanticism's most recognizable works, vividly depicting a scene from the French Revolution of 1830, just a few months after it began.Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People is one of the most recognizable works from the Romantic period, dramatically portraying a vivid scene from the French Revolution. This video from Smarthistory features insightful analysis and commentary from two art historians, who offer viewers new ways of seeing Delacroix’s symbolism, as well as a brief history of how the artist’s technique flew in the face of the contemporary art establishment. SmarthistoryRomanticism was an 18th and 19th century creative movementThe movement emphasized the beauty of nature and human feeling. It was inspired by reactions against classical traditions, social injustices, technological change, and the philosophy of the Enlightenment. Although the movement spanned literature, visual art, music, poetry, and architecture, some of its most recognizable works are paintings. TheCollectorBefore romanticism, the Enlightenment was the dominant force in artThe Enlightenment was a period of discovery, innovation, and political change. Roman and Greek visuals came into fashion in reaction to the excess and wealth of royalty and the church. Romanticism rebelled against the rigidity of neoclassicism's simplicity and structure. The Art StoryWhat was the beef between Romanticism and the Enlightenment?Would you embrace logic or lead with emotion? In the 18th century, Romanticism challenged the Enlightenment’s focus on reason, arguing that imagination, nature, and intuition held deeper truths. From literature to art, this movement reshaped culture—sparking a debate between order and passion. 1440The 19th-century painters of the Hudson River School were among the first American romantics, with portraits that displayed the natural beauty of the young country. The Metropolitan Museum of Art'No army can withstand the strength of an idea whose time has come.'-Author Victor Hugo (1802-1885) The Economic TimesCountry musicians grappled with the outlaw archetype on screenAs country grew more popular, some of its biggest stars leapt to the silver screen, with Johnny Cash in "Five Minutes to Live," Kris Kristofferson in "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid," and Dolly Parton in "9 to 5." Kristin Hunt notes that all of these films featured country stars toying with the outlaw archetype, a prevalent theme throughout the history of country music. JSTOR Daily‘Torch songs’ are passionate expressions of unrequited loveThe term comes from an idiom about dedicated romantics carrying torches for their love interests. The style was especially popular for female vocalists before the rise of rock ‘n’ roll and significantly influenced early girl group records. American MastersEnlightenment Period: Thinkers & Ideas | HISTORYThe Enlightenment was a European intellectual movement from the late 17th to early 19th century that emphasized reason, science, natural law, and individual liberty. This History Channel article traces its roots in the Scientific Revolution—highlighting figures like Newton and Locke—and explores how it promoted reforms in religion, governance, and society. It also explains how Enlightenment ideals inspired major revolutions and eventually evolved into Romanticism. HISTORYNostalgia is a psychological coping mechanism created from biasMemories are naturally reconstructed during recall, and research has shown a fading effect bias that causes negative ones to fade more quickly, helping us heal. This creates a natural longing for the past, particularly when faced with loneliness, boredom, or challenging moments in the present. The New York TimesA pop culture taxonomy of the Byronic heroThe Byronic hero, a moody but ultimately noble archetype credited to Lord Byron, isn’t just a fixture of romanticism: the character type can still be found throughout popular culture. Look no further than this detailed explainer from TV Tropes, which illustrates the Byronic hero’s characteristics and appearances in different media. TV TropesWilliam Blake may be best known as a poet, but he was also a painterThe author of "Songs of Innocence and of Experience" was a romantic poet and painter. "Newton," one of his better-known pieces, satirizes Isaac Newton, whom he saw as too concerned with the empiricism of science and, as a result, lacking an understanding of nature. Art de VivreRomantics sought to experience 'the sublime'“Sublime” may be a word that’s still used in popular culture, but when Irish philosopher Edmund Burke used it in a 1757 essay, he was attempting to define an astonishment at something that was beyond full human understanding. The MIT Press ReaderJacques Louis David was a prime foil for the romanticsFrench painter Jacques Louis David was a defining figure of the neoclassical movement, using historical scenes and a polished sheen to present work that was as close to the real world as humanly possible. That made him an obvious foil for the romantics, who embraced raw feeling over accuracy. The Metropolitan Museum of ArtA 1908 toy visualizes how the sun never set on the British EmpireResearchers uncovered an early-1900s children’s toy that romanticized the British Empire: a rotating world map showing where the sun shone on Britain’s far-flung territories. The interactive device also served as an advertisement for "The Children’s Encyclopedia." SlateThe true story of Cleopatra and Mark AntonyOne of history's most romanticized couples, Greek-descended Queen of Egypt Cleopatra and Roman warrior Mark Antony carried out their tryst in the waning days of ancient Egypt. Hollywood has long been fascinated with the pair and has offered up depictions historians claim obscure the real story. Here, an Egyptologist helps separate myths from history. NPR
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