Transcendentalism

Definition

Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, as well as the belief in individual intuition and spirituality over established doctrine. This movement significantly influenced American art, reflecting themes of nature, nationalism, and the spiritual connection between humanity and the natural world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transcendentalism arose as a reaction against the intellectualism of Harvard and European rationalism, emphasizing emotion and spirituality instead.
2. Key figures in transcendentalism include Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, whose writings explored self-reliance and nature's influence on the human spirit.
3. The movement promoted a deep appreciation for nature, viewing it as a source of inspiration and spiritual insight, leading to landscapes that reflect these beliefs.
4. Transcendentalists believed that society and its institutions corrupted the purity of the individual, advocating for personal introspection as a means of discovering truth.
5. The influence of transcendentalism can be seen in various art forms, from painting to literature, shaping American identity by celebrating individuality and a connection to nature.

Review Questions

• How did transcendentalism influence themes in American Neoclassicism and Romanticism?
  • Transcendentalism infused American Neoclassicism with a sense of emotional depth while also enhancing Romantic ideals by emphasizing individual perception of beauty and nature. The movement encouraged artists to capture not just physical landscapes but also the spiritual essence behind them. This blending allowed for a more profound exploration of themes like nationalism and personal expression in artistic works.
• In what ways did the Hudson River School embody transcendentalist ideas through their artwork?
  • The Hudson River School painters embodied transcendentalist ideas by portraying the American landscape as a reflection of divine beauty and spirituality. Their artwork often showcased sublime natural scenes that elicited feelings of awe and reverence, mirroring transcendentalist beliefs about nature's role in fostering individual intuition and connection to a higher truth. This representation helped establish a national identity centered around the appreciation of America's natural environment.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of transcendentalism on American art and literature after 1865, particularly during the transition to realism.
  • Transcendentalism laid crucial groundwork for future American art and literature, influencing subsequent movements such as realism by instilling values centered on individuality and observation. As artists transitioned to realism, elements of transcendental thought persisted through an emphasis on authentic experiences rooted in nature and human emotion. The legacy of transcendentalism can be seen in how later creators sought to depict genuine societal conditions while still valuing personal insight drawn from nature's influence.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A cultural movement that originated in Europe in the late 18th century, focusing on emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature, which laid the groundwork for transcendentalist thought.

Hudson River School:

A group of American landscape painters in the mid-19th century who emphasized the beauty of the American landscape, aligning with transcendentalist values through their focus on nature's divine qualities.

Individualism: The principle of valuing individual rights and independence, which is central to transcendentalist beliefs regarding personal intuition and self-reliance.