Romanticism: Art, Culture, and Society in the 19th Century
Romanticism: Art, Culture, and Society (1820-1850)
Between Liberal Revolution and Reaction
The Napoleonic empire spread the ideals of the French Revolution across Europe. Following Napoleon’s defeat, the Restoration aimed to reinstate the old regime. Meanwhile, the Industrial Revolution fueled the rise of the bourgeoisie, leading to the liberal revolutions of 1820, 1830, and 1848, often initiated in France. The 1830 revolution ended Charles X’s absolutism, ushering in Louis Philippe’s liberal monarchy. The first half of the 19th century was marked by political clashes between liberal revolutionaries and supporters of the old regime, alongside the Industrial Revolution’s growth and the expansion of Romanticism.
Romanticism
Reaching its peak between 1820 and 1850, particularly in France, Romanticism was a life attitude and artistic style opposing the Enlightenment’s rationality and Neoclassicism’s aesthetic. Its values reflected the revolutionary bourgeois spirit, embracing liberalism and nationalism.
Key Features:
- Exaltation of individualism
- Desire for freedom
- Vindication of feeling
- Tendency towards escapism and dreams, both spatially and temporally
Romanticism found its strongest expression in literature and painting, conveying the romantic spirit through various themes. Many classical artists could be considered romantic due to their subject matter and passionate approach.
Romantic Themes:
- Historical events reflecting romantic ideals of freedom and collective identity
- Medieval themes, both idealized (spiritual and chivalrous) and as the period of European national identities
- Exotic locales, satisfying wanderlust and escapism
- Extreme situations for emotional expression
- Picturesque and sublime scenery, contrasting with classical serenity, idealizing nature’s power
Romanticism can be considered the first avant-garde movement, elevating everyday subjects and the artist’s subjective vision.
The Romantic Image of Spain
A romanticized, often stereotypical, image of Spain gained international popularity, primarily through British and French travelers. This image was based on several factors:
- The independent, nationalistic spirit of England after defeating Napoleon
- Spain’s medieval ruins and Eastern influences
- Ancient customs preserved due to limited industrialization
- Picturesque figures like bandits, gypsies, and bullfighters
Independent Artists
The 19th century marked a shift in artist-patron relationships. Artists sought independence from powerful patrons and rejected academic guidelines. The public gained importance, accessing art without ownership. Public taste increasingly influenced artistic production, with artists’ success depending on its approval. This led to the formation of artist groups with shared artistic conceptions, supporting each other. Early examples include the Nazarenes and the Lukasbund.
Architecture and Urban Planning
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