Romanticism often expressed a longing for an idealized past, whether it was a medieval era, a mythical golden age, or a simpler pre-industrial society. This nostalgia was driven by a sense of loss and a reaction against the rapid changes of the modern world. *The Vision of God _ William Blake

Yearning for the past and nostalgia

Romantic literature often portrayed protagonists as passionate, rebellious, and tormented individuals who defied societal norms and pursued their own desires and ideals. These characters were often portrayed as outcasts or misunderstood visionaries.

The concept of the "Romantic hero

Although Goya is often associated with the earlier art movement of Romanticism, his works exhibit many characteristics of the movement. Goya, a Spanish painter, is known for his dark and haunting compositions, exploring themes of war, social injustice, and the human condition. Notable works by Goya include "The Third of May 1808" and his series of Black Paintings.

Francisco Goya (1746-1828)

"The Romantic movement showed that what matters is the intensity and operation of the mind."

The Romantic era was characterized by a shift in focus from reason to emotion, imagination, and individualism. It celebrated the power of nature, the expression of intense emotions, and the exploration of the supernatural and the sublime. Romantic thinkers and artists sought to evoke strong emotions and create a sense of awe & wonder through their works. That does not mean that Romanticism was just a moving entity of emotions, instead it was a creative movement that embraced the personal experiences of individuals, allowing artist to decide following their hearts and paint themselves in nature

The Romatic Beginning 

In visual arts, Romanticism saw a shift from classical themes to more emotional and natural subjects. Artists like <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caspar_David_Friedrich">Caspar David Friedrich</a>, <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._M._W._Turner">J.M.W. Turner</a>, and <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eug%C3%A8ne_Delacroix">Eugène Delacroix</a> depicted dramatic landscapes, tumultuous events, and powerful emotions in their paintings. Music in the Romantic era saw a greater emphasis on personal expression and individual style. Composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and Frederic Chopin composed pieces that conveyed intense emotions and expressed the inner world of the individual. *In a Roman Osteria_Carl Bloch

Shift from Classical themes

<ul><li>Emphasis on emotion and individualism</li><li>Appreciation of nature</li><li>Rejection of industrialization and urbanization</li><li>Focus on the imagination and the supernatural</li><li>Celebration of the common people and folk culture</li><li>Yearning for the past and nostalgia</li><li>The concept of the "Romantic hero</li></ul>

key features that made the ideas of Romanticism special

Romanticism celebrated the power of emotions and the individual's subjective experience. It rejected the strict rationality of the Enlightenment and embraced the expression of intense feelings, including love, passion, and despair. *Oedipus cursing his son polynics_Johanen Heinrich Füssli

Emphasis on emotion and individualism

Romantic thinkers and artists revered nature as a source of inspiration and as a means to connect with the sublime. They sought to depict the awe-inspiring beauty of natural landscapes and emphasize the individual's relationship with the natural world. *Wanderer in the storm_Julius von Leypold

Appreciation of nature

It's the Art of the people, and heroism is the people. "Unknown" Romanticism challenged the rigid social hierarchy of the time and gave voice to the experiences and struggles of the common people. It sought inspiration from folk traditions, folklore, and local customs, emphasizing the value of authentic, unspoiled culture. *Portrait of a Woman in A BLUE turban_ Eugène Delacroix

Celebration of the common people and folk culture

Turner, an English painter, is renowned for his atmospheric and dramatic landscape paintings. His works captured the effects of light and the sublime forces of nature. Turner's later works became increasingly abstract and influenced later generations of artists. Notable paintings by Turner include "The Fighting Temeraire" and "Rain, Steam, and Speed."

J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851)

It's a pretty romantic name that gets to be stuck in your head once you hear it, at the end, we are all emotional beings, we think emotionally, and we even have emotional intelligence. Is it Rational? Not at all actually....Romanticism emerged as a reaction against the rationality and order of the Enlightenment period, which emphasized reason and science, imagine an era in the late 18th century around 1790s where the whole world is overwhelming ornamenting scientific methods and details, even art is Neoclassical, and here comes our savior, Romance.

What's Romanticism? 

Friedrich, a German painter, is considered one of the most important figures in Romantic landscape painting. His works often depicted sublime and awe-inspiring landscapes, often featuring solitary figures in contemplation of nature. Some of his famous works include "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog" and "The Monk by the Sea."

Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840)

With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, Romanticism emerged as a reaction against the negative consequences of rapid urbanization, mechanization, and industrialization. Romanticists idealized rural life, pastoral settings, and a simpler, more authentic way of living. *The Education of Achilles _Eugène Delacroix

Rejection of industrialization and urbanization

Romanticism exalted the power of the human imagination and explored the realms of fantasy, the supernatural, and the mysterious, it's like it was the complete opposite of its competitive Rationalization ruling schools at the time. It delved into folklore, mythology, and gothic elements, seeking to evoke a sense of wonder and awe. *Thou who cannot_Francisco de Goya

Focus on the imagination and the supernatural

Romanticism had a profound impact on various aspects of society and culture. It challenged the prevailing intellectual and social norms of the time and emphasized the importance of individual experience, emotions, and imagination. It also influenced not only literature, art, and music but also philosophy, politics and social movements. Romanticism left a lasting legacy and continues to inspire creative endeavors to this day, cuz hey, art is to be felt after all, not only seen. *A favourite custom _Lawrence Alma-Tadema

What Is Unique About Emotions? 

Delacroix, a French painter, was known for his vibrant use of color and dramatic, emotionally charged compositions. He explored historical and exotic subjects, often depicting scenes of violence, passion, and revolution. One of his most famous works is "Liberty Leading the People."

Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863)

Let us remember when did we start to not only think but also feel