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