Romanticism in European Art and Literature

Introduction to Romanticism

• Focus on European Romanticism, specifically in England
• Romanticism was widespread across Europe, Russia, and the Americas
• Main focus: contrasting Romanticism with its predecessor, the Enlightenment

Enlightenment vs. Romanticism

• Enlightenment:
  • Focus on intellect, order, industrial revolution
  • Example: Dr. Samuel Johnson's dictionary
• Romanticism:
  • Focus on emotion, nature, individualism
  • Key emotion: The Sublime (awestruck feeling)
  • Focus on beauty, rather than order
  • Major work: "Frankenstein"

Key Characteristics of Romanticism

• Emotion over intellect
• Individuality and the emergence of a new type of hero
• Nature and supernatural elements
• Beauty as a subjective experience

Analysis of Romantic Art

"The Nightmare" by Henry Fuseli

• Supernatural elements: troll-like creature
• High levels of emotion: fear, discomfort, beauty
• Depiction of beauty in discomfort

"Lord Byron in Albanian Dress" by Phillips Thomas

• Features the Byronic hero:
  • Edgy hero, not perfectly good
  • Individualistic with a dark past
• Interest in other cultures

"Manfred and the Alpine Witch" by John Martin

• Byronic hero in a natural, supernatural setting
• Supernatural and natural beauty combined

"Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog" by Caspar David Friedrich

• Nature as a central theme
• Byronic hero with an adventurer's edge
• Depicts the sublime: terrifying yet beautiful landscape

Conclusion

• Romanticism is rich with emotional, individualistic, and nature-focused themes
• Encouragement to explore further into Romantic poetry and paintings
• Invitation for discussion and further learning