6 Facts About Romanticism: The Art Movement That Added Emotion To Art!
Above: Spithead, Two Captured Danish Ships Entering Portsmouth Harbour, William Turner, c 180-7-1809, now found at the Tate Gallery, London
While I have not shared my painting adventures of late here on the blog, lets just say I have been trying my hand at painting clouds and trying to figure out what style of clouds would work with the style of landscape painting I’m also working hard to develop. Hmmm? I remembered all the amazing Turner paintings I saw at the Tate Gallery in London way back when, and thought I’d revisit them as well as the entire movement of art called Romanticism, of which Turner is one of the most well known painters, as portrayal of nature is one of their strengths, and thus the clouds! Then I realized that sharing art history and art appreciation here on the blog could actually be really interesting, and help the creative practice of just about anyone. No art was ever created in a vacuum, which means that learning from, and being inspired by other artists is the way to go. And there are so many things to learn beyond just looking at a work of art, namely the intentions of the art, the context of the art, and even how and where the art was created and lastly how it was received in its time. So, while I do not currently intend on writing an entire series of art history posts, lets start with this one, and you may just realize that delving into art history can be interesting and inspiring, which is my goal.
The romanticism movement which took place roughly between 1770 and 1848 gave birth to art that valued human emotion, and abstract values rather than materialism and restriction of thought within the norms of the day. The art forms influenced by the ideals of this movement include oil painting as well as poetry and music. Romanticism allowed human expression for thousands of poets, musicians, and artists who previously were constricted by the artistic practices of the day, which were more about copying reality than using art to convey feeling.
While the topic of Romanticism is vast, I’ve tried to pull out a few gems to inspire you, and help you understand the movement’s great contribution to the world of art, and even examine some of the ideals of the movement as it relates to your creative practice. Take a look at the 6 interesting facts about romanticism, and then go and explore some more on your own!
Above: Fishermen at Sea , William Turner, c.1796, now found at the Tate Gallery, London
1. Romanticism is difficult to define in words
One unique thing about romanticism is that its meaning it is difficult to fathom with words. Not because of the inefficiency of language but rather the complexity of the movement, and the fact that it did not have a definite technical art style.
Lets start by saying that the movement addressed human emotions, and went in the realm of fantasies, otherworldly landscapes, ethereal life forms, and even superior beings. Romanticism can only be truly understood by viewing and experiencing beautifully crafted romanticism movement paintings which are inspired by many different aspects of human experience. So that means that when ever you can, get to a museum!
2. Romanticism introduced the Idea of drama
Those who lived in the early 19th century and where akin to art, witnessed romanticism brewing as a worldwide art movement, not restricted to any one area, as with other art movements. Romanticism countered the neoclassical movement that promoted rational thoughts, science, practicality, and material aspects of the human form, preferring to showcase emotions, and drama! For the first time artists began to portray daily life with dramatic tones, and emphasized the power of nature and the interaction of man with nature.
Above: Norham Castle Sunrise, William Turner, c. 1845, now found a the Tate Gallery, London
3. Romanticism was pro-nature
The romanticism movement put the spotlight on nature and highlighted its importance. While romantic era paintings like The Beaches, 1845 by Asher Durand highlighted the beauty of nature, other paintings like The Storm by William Turner portray the unparalleled might of nature. Romantic-era artists were drawn to nature as they saw it as a representation of man’s emotions. Natural disasters and the helplessness of man in the face of nature were also common themes in the paintings of romantic era artists.
4. Romanticism is not the same as romance
Although romanticism sounds similar to romance, don’t confine the vast spectrum of romanticism to the ideas of romantic love and other sappy worldly affairs. It is true that tales of undying love, the promise of romance, and the complexity of human relationships are found in the romanticism art movement, but romanticism in itself covers much broader ground and a much broader range of topics, including basic human rights like liberty and freedom.
5. Romanticism gave rise to the importance of plein air painting
Plein air painting, also known as painting outdoors, became a popular method of painting during the romanticism movement. As the artists tried to break down the chains of materialism, they saw plein air as a form of getting away from the predetermined, realistic and material surroundings of the clients parlor, for example. Many romantic era paintings like Wine Harvest 1835 by Karoly portray sombre outdoor settings of those times, and are a fresh look at life beyond the walls of the art patron’s estate!
6. Romanticism focused on capturing emotion rather than a realistic portrayal of the model
Romanticism artists adapted the new concept of capturing emotions rather than painting the exact physical features of the model. You can find several paintings showcasing raw emotions on human faces and might and strength of animals (like Adonis, The White Stallion by James Ward without recording the realistic details of their physical self.
The romanticism movement in art was remarkable in its portrayal of human emotion, and the idea of self. This also means that paintings created within the framework of this movement effect each and every viewer differently, with a message or an impact that is quite varied. This indeed is what true art is all about!
