Romanticism
Romanticism in painting emerged at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, characterized by its emphasis on emotion, nature, and individuality. This artistic movement was influenced by the Baroque, especially in its use of drama and emotion, and by the Rococo, with its focus on nature and beauty. In turn, it influenced the development of Impressionism, Symbolism, and Realism. The three most representative painters of Romanticism are Turner (England), Friedrich (Germany), and Eugène Delacroix (France), known for his scenes full of passion and dynamism.
In Romantic painting, the focus was on the expression of intense emotions and the exploration of themes such as nature, history, mythology, and personal conflicts. Romantic artists used color and composition to evoke deep emotional responses. The technique often included freer and more expressive brushstrokes, as well as a richer and more dramatic color palette, which served to accentuate the mood and atmosphere of the work. Experimental techniques with visible and often less disciplined brushstrokes were also used, allowing the capture of movement and light in ways that directly conveyed emotion. It was not unusual for landscapes and stormy skies to be employed to reflect the human emotional state.
In Neoclassicism, unlike Romanticism which was the artistic movement preceding it, everything centered on clarity, simplicity, and symmetry, with a more sober and controlled color palette. Neoclassical works often featured themes from classical antiquity and had a moralizing or educational intent. This artistic style utilized sharp lines and a highly polished technique, leaving little room for spontaneity in the execution of the works.
In the United Kingdom, one of the leading figures of Romanticism was Joseph Mallord William Turner, known for his innovative use of color and light. His painting "Rain, Steam, and Speed – The Great Western Railway" of 1844, shows a train traversing a rainy landscape, capturing the tension between nature and modern technology. This work was paradigmatic and profoundly impacted Impressionist painters like Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and Edgar Degas, who admired his ability to depict atmosphere and movement.
Turner not only revolutionized landscape painting but also inspired the Impressionists with his focus on light and color. His works influenced Monet, whose series of water lilies and scenes of the Saint-Lazare train station show a clear debt to Turner. Pissarro, another Impressionist, adopted Turner's use of changing light to capture rural and urban scenes with great realism.
In Germany, Romanticism was highlighted by the work of Caspar David Friedrich, whose melancholic and spiritual landscapes reflect the quest for the sublime, as in his famous canvas titled "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog". Friedrich, like Turner, used nature to explore philosophical and emotional themes, influencing both the Symbolists and the Expressionists.
