Romanticism: 1800-1880

Romanticism was an early 19^th century pan-European artistic and philosophical backlash against Neoclassicism. The term originates in the Romances of the Middle Ages, which signified a vision of perfected reality. Initially this presented itself in idyllic and often Gothic imagery, with romantic artists embracing emotionally wrought feelings of sentimentality, mystery and drama to produce beautiful and exotic scenes (e.g. Walpole, Beckford and Fuseli).

However, the term was soon to broaden its scope to incorporate vital passions of the time - namely, nationalism, political support for liberty, reverence of nature and opposition to industrialization. This was combined with an overall disenchantment towards life, and the desperate need to find a new outlet for individual creativity and artistic expression. 

Whilst Romanticism and Neoclassicism were fundamentally opposed, they were nevertheless the leading European styles for many generations, with the result that numerous artists worked in both styles at various times or mixed the two to produce a speculatively Romantic piece by implementing Neoclassical imagery, for example.

Suffice to say, the Romantic art movement featured different characteristics throughout Europe, as well as between artists residing in the same country. Blake’s work expressed his chagrin of the Establishment, where Constable and Palmer chose to explore scenic landscapes. Turner found a unique approach to illustrating his view of the natural world, whilst in France the revolutions of 1789 and 1830, along with the patronage of Napoleon, meant that artists such as Gros and Gericault obtained their influence from history and literature. The art pour art movement of beauty for its own sake motivated Ingres’ work, whilst Delacroix tested pioneering colour theories and liberal brushwork. In Germany, a devotion to nationalism as a result of the Napoleonic invasion inspired writers, artists and architects such as Friedrich, Schinkel and Klenze. Outside Europe in the United States, the leading Romantic Movement was the Hudson River School of dramatic landscape painting.

Overall, Romanticism was an expansive and all-embracing artistic movement, and although the Pre-Raphaelite movement and the Symbolists were to follow, Impressionism (and through it the vast majority of 20th century art), is firmly entrenched in the Romantic tradition.