Romanticism

Romanticism, emerging in the late 18th century and flourishing in the first half of the 19th century, was an art movement characterized by its emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the sublime. It arose as a reaction against the rationalism and order of the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. Key characteristics include a focus on intense emotional experiences, the glorification of nature, and an interest in the exotic and the mysterious. Romantic artists often depicted dramatic landscapes, historical events, and scenes of human struggle, aiming to evoke awe and wonder. The movement's themes frequently explored the tension between humanity and nature, the power of imagination, and the exploration of the self. Notable figures include Caspar David Friedrich, J.M.W. Turner, and Eugène Delacroix. Romanticism significantly influenced subsequent art movements, including Symbolism and Impressionism, by prioritizing personal expression and emotional depth over classical formality.