The term "Romanticism" is derived from the French word "romantisme," which in turn is derived from the medieval Latin word "romanicus."
"Romanicus" means "relating to the Roman people or the Romance languages."
Meaning:
Romanticism is an intellectual and artistic movement that emphasized subjectivity, emotion, imagination, and the individual's relationship with nature.
It valued the natural, the irrational, and the spiritual over the rational, the ordered, and the material.
Origin of Romanticism
Origins in the Romantic Movement:
Romanticism emerged in Europe in the late 18th century as a reaction against the Age of Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order.
It was influenced by the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who championed the individual's connection with nature and the importance of emotion.
Historical Context:
The Romantic Movement coincided with a period of social and political upheaval.
The French Revolution (1789-1799) challenged traditional authority and values, creating a sense of uncertainty and alienation.
Influence of the Natural World:
Romantics were fascinated by the beauty and power of nature.
They saw it as a source of inspiration, wonder, and spiritual transcendence.
Subjectivity and Imagination:
Romantics emphasized the importance of the individual's unique perspective and emotions.
They believed that imagination played a vital role in creating art and understanding the world.
The Sublime and the Gothic:
Romantics were drawn to the sublime, which evoked a sense of awe and wonder through its vastness and power.
They also explored the Gothic, which dealt with the supernatural, the dark, and the irrational.
Literary and Artistic Manifestations:
Romanticism found expression in various literary and artistic forms, including:
Poetry: William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Keats
Prose: Mary Shelley, Jane Austen, Nathaniel Hawthorne
Music: Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann
Painting: J.M.W. Turner, Caspar David Friedrich, Eugène Delacroix
