Styles & Periods

Styles & Periods

Romanticism

Romanticism is an artistic movement of late 18th century Europe and North America, which stressed freedom above all else. Strong emotion, a release from conventional social boundaries, and a preference for imagination over rationality are all key elements of the Romantic mind set. Romanticism and Classicism, or Neoclassicism, are often seen as reactions against one another. They can also be seen as two approaches to the same concern, namely, how to address the past and integrate art with the idealism and struggle for social change of the Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment world. Where Neoclassicism looked toward ancient Greece and Rome as the perceived pinnacle of culture, Romanticism heroized the individual, especially those facets of the individual that centered on exalted or transcendent experiences. Subjectivity, rather than an adherence to accepted forms, was central to the Romantic worldview. Romanticism emphasized the occult, the exotic, the spiritual, the heroic, the personal, the spontaneous and the visionary. Romantic painters such as Goya and Delacroix, and writer-artists like William Blake, saw in nature and in folk and exotic styles the idealized dynamism they sought. Romanticism¹s preoccupation with subjectivity, personal genius and introspection can be seen as the precursors toward Modernism and Post-modernism.


Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

Up to 38% Off

Studio XL Oil Paint

by Pebeo

Colours are intense and permanent.

Up to 57% Off

Real Value Series Orange Handled Brush Sets

by Princeton

Excellent quality brushes at an affordable price

From $24.59

How to Create Encaustic Art

by Schiffer

A guide to painting with wax.

Up to 42% Off

Pencil Sets

by Conte

Conte quality in convenient sets

Up to 61% Off

Gainsborough Oil and Acrylic Brushes

by Grumbacher

Professional grade Chungking hog bristle

Up to 27% Off

Aquash Water Brush

by Pentel

Great for blending all water-based media!
Latest Product Reviews
Good price, prompt delivery, and well protected for shipping. This is not a product that is used every day, but when I need it, it is one of the most important items in my studio.
- Joe Perez in Ocala, Florida
It will cut paper thin products well but it's not built for anything thicker than that.
- Henry R in South Carolina
Totally thrilled on all fronts, delivery, price and the goods!
- Westy in New York
Free Download for Kids

Download free coloring book pages Download FREE coloring
book pages to color at
home or school.

View Pages »