This art gallery focuses on how exactly Romanticism was different than previous art styles. Specifically this gallery will be looking at how exactly it is different than Neoclassicism. Focusing on this is important as Romanticism partially a result of Neoclassicism. Neoclassicism was a movement which involved idealized form. People were perfected not as they necessarily were but rather as an idealized version would. Romanticism hated that idea. Romanticism believed that the obsession with idealization led to a lack of emotion. Included in this gallery are three Neoclassicism paintings followed by three Romantic paintings for comparison. Romanticism also focused more on creative art as opposed to conventional art.
The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries, Jacques-Louis David, 1812, From the collection of: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
This painting is included because of how idealized the form is. Napoleon is standing with one foot forward. The painting itself shows no brush strokes, as is common with this Neoclassicism.
Erasistratus the Physician Discovers the Love of Antiochus for Stratonice, Benjamin West, 1772, From the collection of: Birmingham Museum of Art
This painting is included because even though this scene is emotional it still appears highly rigid and idealized.
The Golden Age, Benjamin West, 1776, From the collection of: Tate Britain
Here we can truly see a very rigid, idealized, and perfectly balanced. It is a little unrealistic not a hair is out of place here.
Indian Pass, Thomas Cole, 1847, From the collection of: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
One of the first pieces of Romanticism. You can actually see the brush strokes which is a far cry from the rigidity of previous art styles.
The Sortie from Gilbraltar, John Trumbull (American, b.1756, d.1843), 1788, From the collection of: Cincinnati Art Museum
Here along with this piece of art being far from perfect we can see the drama here. This is focusing on how this single Spanish officer fought bravely and is refusing help from the British, who had attacked them.
This also focuses on someone living by their values. As Romanticism focused on the indivdual and morals.
Old Sarum, John Constable, 1829, From the collection of: The Victoria and Albert Museum
Lastly, we look at this piece of art work. Now this would be an unacceptable piece of art for Neoclassics. Because to them this would be an unfished work. But it even like this it gives a feeling of movement. It still causes emotion.
Romanticism loved and valued nature as well.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
