WGU Humanities - Romantic Period

Questions: What was the common emphasis displayed by artists across a spectrum of the disciplines during the Romantic Era?

Dramatic actions and unique, idiosyncratic styles appeared in various art forms from music to painting.

Exoticism

As cross-continental transportation became easier and colonialism became more widespread, Europeans became more exposed to nonwestern cultures that fascinated them. Exoticism was the artistic expression of that fascination, though often Europeans misrepresented the foreign and suppressed cultures they enjoyed. Fascinated by "exotic" far away places. Either real or imagined. Open to "strange" new cultures, although this often meant over -"romanticizing" other cultures (or only seeing what they wanted to see.). Popular in middle eastern and asian countries

Nationalism

Due to key events like European colonialism, the French Revolution, and the establishment of the United States, many Western countries sought to distinguish their identities, leading Romantic artists to express their national identities with pride through their works. Many artist felt a powerful emotional attachment to their native land and "folk" identities ( as opposed to cosmopolitan "elites"). These eventually led to nationalistic passions.

Individualism, Imagination, and Genius

Individualism: Romantics celebrated and promoted the righteousness of human individuality and developed a newfound respect for the figure of the imaginative genius. Romantics admired unique, iconic individuals with visionary imagination. "Genius" became the ideal: and inner drive of exceptional talent that could not be learned car taught. Stand out above everyone else and change the way of life for everyone else. The first time where the period focuses on individuals like never before. Truly off on their own. (The pictures shows a man standing on top of the mountain - picture by Caspar David Friedrich 1818)

Naturalism

Many Romantics found wisdom and solace in the natural world and sought to represent the strange emotions that occur when encountering the sublime. Due to key events like European colonialism, the French Revolution, and the establishment of the United States, many Western countries sought to distinguish their identities, leading Romantic artists to express their national identities with pride through their works. Strong euphemism of nature not science related by more mystical spiritual way. Felt they could gather wisdom through nature. Not about scientific study, but spiritual connection.

Mysticism and the Occult

Romantic artists borrowed figures and settings from the Classical Period and the Middle Ages, inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman polytheistic pantheon and the movement of mysticism during the Middle Ages. The Gothic movement in art, architecture, and literature embodied this fascination with spirituality, intrigue, and horror. Looking at the world in super natural ways, not religious. Interested in the mysteries that the world holds that no one understands. A new fascination with the supernatural, although not in traditional religious terms. (Magic, psychic phenomena, ghosts, horror)

Passion

Romantic artists explored the full spectrum of uninhibited human emotion and generally favored the strong sentiments of affection, sorrow, and romantic longing over the rational and logical. Romantics elevated passion above reason as the most powerful human capacity. Not passion for God/religion more about individual. Favored the "irrational" side of humanity over reason, logic clarity,

Revolution

Romantics generally supported revolution against tradition, political reform that would grant rights to oppressed groups and equality for all. Being identifying with your country. Many of the democratic ideals of the neoclassical period came to fruition with Romantic passions. The French revolution and Greek War of indolence were pushed forward by romantic revolutionaries

Heroism

The Byronic or Romantic hero was an embodiment of the revolutionary thought and introspective concerns that Romantics faced in this era. Such heroes were gifted loners who challenged traditions and brooded on personal passions. Many artist thought of themselves as gifted, isolated loners who followed their own inspiration rather than traditional or societal expectations. Lord Byron and the "Byronic Hero" - Someone who flagrantly mocked and criticized "normal society. Ironic heroism, do things on their own and if no one follows them that's fine too.