Romanticism

Romanticism, also called Romantic art is a European artistic movement that originated in the second half of the 18th century. Romanticism consisted of changing the traditional techniques for classical painting by adding new emotions to the artwork and feeling more natural about it. Romanticists favored the use of vivid colors and different compositions unlike the classical artists. Romanticists were very much inspired by nature, imagination, characteristics that are not common with the classic artist. Romanticism came about as a reaction to the Industrial revolution and political revolutions in Europe. There was a changing of power from kings to people who sought for democracy. Because of this, there were social changes which led to the use of new themes that reflected this change in society. Romanticists believed in individual experiences instead of traditional rules. There was a preference for imagination, nature and emotion instead of rationalism and order. Romantic art has been described as expressive, emotional, imaginative, spiritual and visionary. Romanticism in the art world was a reaction to the classicism of neoclassical era. The main difference between romanticism and classicism is that while classical art adheres to strict rules, structure and form, Romantic art is more experimental and imaginative. There are also other differences such as color schemes, subject matter, themes against regularity in form and symmetry. The main aim of the Romanticist was to portray feelings as opposed to reality. It has been said that artists were inspired by nature because they were looking for beauty away from cities where it had become difficult to find. The different style of painting was also a result of the changes in scenery which led artists to prefer landscapes as opposed to historical events.