5.8 Romanticism
4 min read•january 26, 2023
Jillian Holbrook
Jillian Holbrook
Ah, romance.
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marked an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe in the late 18th century and spread to the Americas in the 19th century. It emphasized emotion, imagination, and individuality as a reaction against the rationalism and order of the and .
The Romantic movement developed under philosopher , who questioned the need for complete reliance on logic—emphasizing that emotion led to moral and societal improvements. At its core, developed alongside the but in opposition to its strict rationality and the suppression of emotion in favor of reason. was characterized by a focus on the natural world, a reverence for the past and for folklore and myth, including an interest in the supernatural and the occult.
As a reaction to the perceived excesses of the , which emphasized rationality, individualism, and progress at the expense of tradition, community, and nature, the Romantic movement celebrated a return to the emotional, intuitive, and spiritual aspects of human experience. Contextually, , , and rebellion demonstrated emotional power for mass politics and nationalism, which contributed to the revival of public expression.
Romantic artists and writers sought to capture the emotional and expressive qualities of their subjects and often drew inspiration from nature and the lives of ordinary people.
Romantic Art
in art focused on emotion and the expression of the artist's inner feelings, including a preference for the and the . Romantic artists often used bright colors and bold brushstrokes to convey the intensity of their emotions, and their works often featured landscapes and heroic figures.
Imaginary View of the Grand Gallery of the Louvre in Ruins, Hubert Robert (1796) (Louvre)
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The Shadows of French Heroes who died in the wars of Liberty, received by Ossian Anne-Louis Girodet, (1802) (Château de Malmaison)
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Liberty Leading the People, Eugène Delacroix (1830)
While was all about emotional expression with uses of color and movement, it was also heavily inspired by “exotic” settings, such as the and , and the passions of . One of the most famous romantic paintings is French artist Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. This work of art combines revolutionary passion with the bold red, white, and blue colors of the .
Romantic Literature
In literature, is associated with an emphasis on imagination and emotion. It also incorporates a fascination with the exotic and the mysterious. Romantic writers often used and to convey their ideas, and their works often featured who defied societal norms.
Characteristics of Romantic Literature
was characterized by a few key indicators:
Focus on the
Rejection of
Emphasis on nature, beauty, personal expression, and imagination
Idealization of the family (women and children) and rural life
Use of
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
An example of is ’s story, . Since the novel is written in the form of letters, a popular literary device used by the Romantics, its style allows for a deeper insight into the thoughts and emotions of the protagonist, , and provides a more intimate and personal perspective on his experiences. The setting of the novel is the , a sharp contrast to the and of the time. Its thematic elements focus on and the struggles of an individual against societal norms.
Most importantly, is a quintessential Romantic hero who is passionate, sensitive, and deeply emotional. He is a complex and multi-dimensional character driven by his intense feelings and is ultimately unable to find happiness within the constraints of society. When he cannot be with his love , he takes his own life.
Jane Austen
's works are considered part of the Romantic movement in literature because they focus on the inner lives and emotions of her characters, which depict personal relationships and individual experiences in a realistic and relatable way. The stories often center around love and marriage, exploring themes such as social class and self-discovery. Additionally, her writing style is known for its wit, irony, and attention to detail, which are hallmarks of .
Overall, was a movement that celebrated emotion, imagination, and individuality and sought to break free from the constraints of rationalism and the .
placed more emphasis on emotion; it marked a rejection of cold rationalism and logic. The passion for and spurred a return to base instincts and feelings. Romantic artists emphasized emotion, nature, and national histories. Romantic writers expressed similar themes and responded to current events.
🎥 Watch: AP Europe - French Revolution & Neoclassical Art
Key Terms to Review (34)
Allegory
: Allegory is a narrative technique where abstract ideas are represented through characters or events. Essentially everything in an allegorical story has a symbolic meaning.Charlotte
: In "The Sorrows of Young Werther," Charlotte is the object of Werther's unrequited love. She embodies traditional societal values and expectations.Common Language and Subjects
: This refers to the use of vernacular language (the common language spoken by people) and everyday subjects in literature and art, a trend that became popular during the Renaissance.Dramatic
: In terms of art history context "dramatic" refers to artwork that is emotionally charged or has high contrast, intense colors or dynamic compositions.Egypt
: Egypt is a country located at northeastern corner of Africa on Mediterranean Sea known for its ancient civilization including pyramids & hieroglyphs. Its capital city is Cairo.Enlightenment
: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th to 19th century. It emphasized reason, analysis, and individualism rather than traditional lines of authority.French Flag
: The French flag - also known as "Le Tricolore" - is the national flag of France. It consists of three vertical stripes of equal width, colored blue, white and red.German Countryside
: The rural areas of Germany, often characterized by their natural beauty, traditional architecture, and agricultural lifestyle.Idealization of Family (Women and Children) and Rural Life
: This refers to the tendency during the Victorian era to portray family life (especially women's roles), childhood innocence, and rural living as idealized concepts - pure, wholesome, peaceful - often ignoring harsh realities.Imaginary View of the Grand Gallery of the Louvre in Ruins, Hubert Robert (1796)
: This is a painting by French artist Hubert Robert that depicts a fictional scene of the Grand Gallery of the Louvre museum in ruins. It reflects the Romantic fascination with ruins and decay.Industrialization
: Industrialization is the process by which an economy is transformed from primarily agricultural to one based on the manufacturing of goods. Individual manual labor is often replaced by mechanized mass production, and craftsmen are replaced by assembly lines.Jane Austen
: Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels, which interpret, critique and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Her works are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism.Jean-Jacques Rousseau
: Rousseau was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer of the 18th century. His political philosophy influenced the French Revolution as well as the overall development of modern political, sociological, and educational thought.Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
: A German writer, poet, and statesman from the late 18th to early 19th century. He is best known for his works such as "Faust" and "The Sorrows of Young Werther," which have had a significant influence on literature.Liberty Leading the People, Eugène Delacroix (1830)
: This is a painting by Eugène Delacroix commemorating the July Revolution of 1830 in France. It depicts Liberty as a woman leading people forward over the bodies of the fallen.Middle East
: The Middle East is a geographical and cultural region located primarily in western Asia, but also in parts of northern Africa and southeastern Europe. It includes countries like Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan among others.Narrator/Writer’s Emotions and Inner Thoughts
: This refers to the feelings and thoughts expressed by a narrator or writer within a piece of literature. It provides insight into their motivations, fears, desires, and personal perspective on events.Nature, Beauty, Personal Expression, Imagination
: These terms are often associated with the Romanticism movement in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This was a period where artists and writers emphasized emotion, individualism, and appreciation of nature.Picturesque
: Picturesque refers to visual attractiveness or charm that makes something worthy to be painted. In art history context, it describes landscape scenes which are quaint or charmingly unconventional.Rationalism and Industrialization
: Rationalism is a belief in reason as the primary source of knowledge while industrialization is the process where society transforms from primarily agricultural to one based on the manufacturing of goods. Both played a significant role in shaping modern society.Revolution
: A revolution refers to a fundamental change in political power or organizational structures that takes place over a relatively short period when people revolt against their government due to perceived oppression or political incompetence.Romantic Art
: Romantic Art is a style of painting, music, and literature that emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the formalism of Neoclassicism. It emphasized emotion, individualism, nature, and the sublime.Romantic Literature
: Romantic Literature is a literary movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature. It was a reaction against the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment values.Romanticism
: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, musical and intellectual movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century. It emphasized emotion and individualism as well as glorification of all past and nature.Scientific Revolution
: The Scientific Revolution was a period of significant change in thought and understanding about the physical universe during the 16th and 17th centuries. It marked a shift from religious, philosophical explanations to empirical observation and experimentation.Struggles Against Societal Norms
: This refers to the conflicts or battles against established customs, rules, or standards of a society. It often involves individuals or groups pushing for change in order to achieve equality, justice, or freedom.Symbolism
: Symbolism is a literary device where an object, person, or situation represents something beyond its literal meaning.The Shadows of French Heroes who died in the wars of Liberty, received by Ossian Anne-Louis Girodet (1802)
: This is an artwork by Anne-Louis Girodet that portrays fallen French heroes being welcomed into heaven by Ossian, a legendary Celtic bard. It symbolizes patriotic sacrifice during France's revolutionary wars.The Sorrows of Young Werther
: A novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that tells an emotional tale about unrequited love leading to tragedy. It was one of the key texts that sparked Romanticism across Europe.Unconventional Heroes and Heroines
: These are characters in literature or history who do not fit the traditional mold of a hero or heroine. They may have flaws, come from unexpected backgrounds, or achieve their goals through unconventional means.Unrequited Love
: Unrequited love refers to a situation where one person has romantic feelings for another, but those feelings are not reciprocated or returned.Urbanization
: The process of making an area more urban, typically involving the shift from a rural to an urban lifestyle. This often occurs as a result of industrialization and is characterized by population growth in towns and cities.War
: War is a state of armed conflict between different nations or states or different groups within a nation or state. It involves physical combat through military forces and results in significant destruction and loss.Werther
: The protagonist in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther." He represents the Romantic ideal of a sensitive and passionate artist who struggles against societal norms.5.8 Romanticism
4 min read•january 26, 2023
Jillian Holbrook
Jillian Holbrook
Ah, romance.
marked an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe in the late 18th century and spread to the Americas in the 19th century. It emphasized emotion, imagination, and individuality as a reaction against the rationalism and order of the and .
The Romantic movement developed under philosopher , who questioned the need for complete reliance on logic—emphasizing that emotion led to moral and societal improvements. At its core, developed alongside the but in opposition to its strict rationality and the suppression of emotion in favor of reason. was characterized by a focus on the natural world, a reverence for the past and for folklore and myth, including an interest in the supernatural and the occult.
As a reaction to the perceived excesses of the , which emphasized rationality, individualism, and progress at the expense of tradition, community, and nature, the Romantic movement celebrated a return to the emotional, intuitive, and spiritual aspects of human experience. Contextually, , , and rebellion demonstrated emotional power for mass politics and nationalism, which contributed to the revival of public expression.
Romantic artists and writers sought to capture the emotional and expressive qualities of their subjects and often drew inspiration from nature and the lives of ordinary people.
Romantic Art
in art focused on emotion and the expression of the artist's inner feelings, including a preference for the and the . Romantic artists often used bright colors and bold brushstrokes to convey the intensity of their emotions, and their works often featured landscapes and heroic figures.
Imaginary View of the Grand Gallery of the Louvre in Ruins, Hubert Robert (1796) (Louvre)
The Shadows of French Heroes who died in the wars of Liberty, received by Ossian Anne-Louis Girodet, (1802) (Château de Malmaison)
Liberty Leading the People, Eugène Delacroix (1830)
While was all about emotional expression with uses of color and movement, it was also heavily inspired by “exotic” settings, such as the and , and the passions of . One of the most famous romantic paintings is French artist Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. This work of art combines revolutionary passion with the bold red, white, and blue colors of the .
Romantic Literature
In literature, is associated with an emphasis on imagination and emotion. It also incorporates a fascination with the exotic and the mysterious. Romantic writers often used and to convey their ideas, and their works often featured who defied societal norms.
Characteristics of Romantic Literature
was characterized by a few key indicators:
Focus on the
Rejection of
Emphasis on nature, beauty, personal expression, and imagination
Idealization of the family (women and children) and rural life
Use of
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
An example of is ’s story, . Since the novel is written in the form of letters, a popular literary device used by the Romantics, its style allows for a deeper insight into the thoughts and emotions of the protagonist, , and provides a more intimate and personal perspective on his experiences. The setting of the novel is the , a sharp contrast to the and of the time. Its thematic elements focus on and the struggles of an individual against societal norms.
Most importantly, is a quintessential Romantic hero who is passionate, sensitive, and deeply emotional. He is a complex and multi-dimensional character driven by his intense feelings and is ultimately unable to find happiness within the constraints of society. When he cannot be with his love , he takes his own life.
Jane Austen
's works are considered part of the Romantic movement in literature because they focus on the inner lives and emotions of her characters, which depict personal relationships and individual experiences in a realistic and relatable way. The stories often center around love and marriage, exploring themes such as social class and self-discovery. Additionally, her writing style is known for its wit, irony, and attention to detail, which are hallmarks of .
Overall, was a movement that celebrated emotion, imagination, and individuality and sought to break free from the constraints of rationalism and the .
placed more emphasis on emotion; it marked a rejection of cold rationalism and logic. The passion for and spurred a return to base instincts and feelings. Romantic artists emphasized emotion, nature, and national histories. Romantic writers expressed similar themes and responded to current events.
🎥 Watch: AP Europe - French Revolution & Neoclassical Art
Key Terms to Review (34)
Allegory
: Allegory is a narrative technique where abstract ideas are represented through characters or events. Essentially everything in an allegorical story has a symbolic meaning.Charlotte
: In "The Sorrows of Young Werther," Charlotte is the object of Werther's unrequited love. She embodies traditional societal values and expectations.Common Language and Subjects
: This refers to the use of vernacular language (the common language spoken by people) and everyday subjects in literature and art, a trend that became popular during the Renaissance.Dramatic
: In terms of art history context "dramatic" refers to artwork that is emotionally charged or has high contrast, intense colors or dynamic compositions.Egypt
: Egypt is a country located at northeastern corner of Africa on Mediterranean Sea known for its ancient civilization including pyramids & hieroglyphs. Its capital city is Cairo.Enlightenment
: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th to 19th century. It emphasized reason, analysis, and individualism rather than traditional lines of authority.French Flag
: The French flag - also known as "Le Tricolore" - is the national flag of France. It consists of three vertical stripes of equal width, colored blue, white and red.German Countryside
: The rural areas of Germany, often characterized by their natural beauty, traditional architecture, and agricultural lifestyle.Idealization of Family (Women and Children) and Rural Life
: This refers to the tendency during the Victorian era to portray family life (especially women's roles), childhood innocence, and rural living as idealized concepts - pure, wholesome, peaceful - often ignoring harsh realities.Imaginary View of the Grand Gallery of the Louvre in Ruins, Hubert Robert (1796)
: This is a painting by French artist Hubert Robert that depicts a fictional scene of the Grand Gallery of the Louvre museum in ruins. It reflects the Romantic fascination with ruins and decay.Industrialization
: Industrialization is the process by which an economy is transformed from primarily agricultural to one based on the manufacturing of goods. Individual manual labor is often replaced by mechanized mass production, and craftsmen are replaced by assembly lines.Jane Austen
: Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels, which interpret, critique and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Her works are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism.Jean-Jacques Rousseau
: Rousseau was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer of the 18th century. His political philosophy influenced the French Revolution as well as the overall development of modern political, sociological, and educational thought.Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
: A German writer, poet, and statesman from the late 18th to early 19th century. He is best known for his works such as "Faust" and "The Sorrows of Young Werther," which have had a significant influence on literature.Liberty Leading the People, Eugène Delacroix (1830)
: This is a painting by Eugène Delacroix commemorating the July Revolution of 1830 in France. It depicts Liberty as a woman leading people forward over the bodies of the fallen.Middle East
: The Middle East is a geographical and cultural region located primarily in western Asia, but also in parts of northern Africa and southeastern Europe. It includes countries like Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan among others.Narrator/Writer’s Emotions and Inner Thoughts
: This refers to the feelings and thoughts expressed by a narrator or writer within a piece of literature. It provides insight into their motivations, fears, desires, and personal perspective on events.Nature, Beauty, Personal Expression, Imagination
: These terms are often associated with the Romanticism movement in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This was a period where artists and writers emphasized emotion, individualism, and appreciation of nature.Picturesque
: Picturesque refers to visual attractiveness or charm that makes something worthy to be painted. In art history context, it describes landscape scenes which are quaint or charmingly unconventional.Rationalism and Industrialization
: Rationalism is a belief in reason as the primary source of knowledge while industrialization is the process where society transforms from primarily agricultural to one based on the manufacturing of goods. Both played a significant role in shaping modern society.Revolution
: A revolution refers to a fundamental change in political power or organizational structures that takes place over a relatively short period when people revolt against their government due to perceived oppression or political incompetence.Romantic Art
: Romantic Art is a style of painting, music, and literature that emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the formalism of Neoclassicism. It emphasized emotion, individualism, nature, and the sublime.Romantic Literature
: Romantic Literature is a literary movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature. It was a reaction against the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment values.Romanticism
: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, musical and intellectual movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century. It emphasized emotion and individualism as well as glorification of all past and nature.Scientific Revolution
: The Scientific Revolution was a period of significant change in thought and understanding about the physical universe during the 16th and 17th centuries. It marked a shift from religious, philosophical explanations to empirical observation and experimentation.Struggles Against Societal Norms
: This refers to the conflicts or battles against established customs, rules, or standards of a society. It often involves individuals or groups pushing for change in order to achieve equality, justice, or freedom.Symbolism
: Symbolism is a literary device where an object, person, or situation represents something beyond its literal meaning.The Shadows of French Heroes who died in the wars of Liberty, received by Ossian Anne-Louis Girodet (1802)
: This is an artwork by Anne-Louis Girodet that portrays fallen French heroes being welcomed into heaven by Ossian, a legendary Celtic bard. It symbolizes patriotic sacrifice during France's revolutionary wars.The Sorrows of Young Werther
: A novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that tells an emotional tale about unrequited love leading to tragedy. It was one of the key texts that sparked Romanticism across Europe.Unconventional Heroes and Heroines
: These are characters in literature or history who do not fit the traditional mold of a hero or heroine. They may have flaws, come from unexpected backgrounds, or achieve their goals through unconventional means.Unrequited Love
: Unrequited love refers to a situation where one person has romantic feelings for another, but those feelings are not reciprocated or returned.Urbanization
: The process of making an area more urban, typically involving the shift from a rural to an urban lifestyle. This often occurs as a result of industrialization and is characterized by population growth in towns and cities.War
: War is a state of armed conflict between different nations or states or different groups within a nation or state. It involves physical combat through military forces and results in significant destruction and loss.Werther
: The protagonist in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther." He represents the Romantic ideal of a sensitive and passionate artist who struggles against societal norms.
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