Romanticism is an attitude that influenced European thinkers and artists from the late 18th to the mid-19th century. Its impact was felt across artistic works such as literature, painting, music, architecture, criticism, and historiography in Western civilization. Romanticism rejected the notions of calm and harmony and embraced the irrational, imaginative and spontaneous expression. Romanticism was followed by realism.
The Hay Wain (1821) by John Constable
Romanticism can be seen in visual arts from as early as the 1760s. British landscape painting artists started portraying wilder and gothic themes even if the setting was serene Wales. The paintings showed the vastness of nature and the insignificance of man. Its artworks didn't focus either on the subject or the truth but rather on the way of feeling. It was the first time that nature became a prominent subject of art.
Caspar David Friedrich, “Landschaft mit Gebirgsee, Morgen (Landscape with Mountain Lake, Morning)” Sold for £2,100,000 via Sotheby's
Method of painting
Artists used tubes of color rather than elaborate paint mixing techniques. Due to rapid industrialization, artificial pigment and better tools become available. They spent less time preparing material and could go out of studios and experiment with colors. Romance artists employed the use of small, close strokes of complementary colors to create brilliance and vivid visual effect. Unrefined outlines, unrestrained and visible brushstrokes, and the emphasis on color over form gave energy to the painting. The focus was more on color than shape.
Caspar David Friedrich, ‘Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog,'
Notable artists and artworks
Caspar David Friedrich and J. M. W. Turner were pioneers who took landscape painting to the heights of romanticism. John Constable stayed close to traditional style but challenged the notion which relegated landscape painting as a lower form of art. American paintings like Albert Bierstadt's The Rocky Mountains and Lander's Peak portrayed the idea of Native Americans living with peace amidst nature. In French art, romanticism came late because of the stronghold of neoclassicism, but it still gave many notable works. Théodore Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa (1818-19), remains the greatest achievement of the Romantic history painting.
