The Romantic Age

1. The Romantic Age 1750s-1850s

2. Vocabulary • Idealism – A philosophy contending that the nature of reality is the nature of the mind –that is, ideal • Romanticism – A literary and artistic movement that sought to assert the validity of subjective experience • Melodrama – A type of theatre characterized by sensationalism and sentimentality

3. About the Period • During the Romantic period there were significant changes being made throughout the world • This period witnessed the industrial revolution, and the American and French Revolutions • Working class citizens lived very harsh lives, leading to rampant poverty • This period is also known as the Victorian Age due to the overwhelming influence of Britain around the globe. • Under the reign of Queen Victoria, life for British people was very restrained and formal, which made the arts all the more important as they were the only socially acceptable way to express emotions

4. About the Period • In 1748, thorough excavations began on the long hidden city of Pompeii in Italy • The rediscovery of this ancient Roman city sparked a fascination with the past and a craving for escapism in society during the Romantic period • The idea of escapism also translated into a growing interest in the supernatural and macabre • This most likely stems from the idea of being able to use the arts as a way to explore places and imagery that weren’t morally acceptable in a safe way • Stories of murder and ghosts, and images that showed the darker side of humanity were very popular during this time

5. About the Period • Patronage slowly disappeared leading up to the Romantic period, leaving artists to make their living on the open market • The Romantics viewed the arts as the gateway to understanding reality • Visionary artists that were creative and expressive were believed to be geniuses that used the arts to express their understanding of the world • This led to highly individualized works that had a very narrow appeal • With the lack of patrons, this meant that many artists were very poor • This is where we find the cliché idea of the “starving artist”

6. Romantic Painting • Romantic painters latched on to the ideas of Romanticism • Inherent in the concept of Romanticism is the appeal to emotions • This allowed Romantic painters to express a wide variety of subjects with the intent of generating an emotional response from the audience • Another characteristic of Romantic painting is the fragmentation of composition • Images lack the geometric principles of earlier painting in an attempt to create more visually dramatic images • Escapism was also a goal for most Romantic painters • Whether the escape was into the imagination or a far off time or place, many Romantics wanted to take their audience on a journey

7. Painting • Géricault • This French Romantic painter exemplified the Romantic Hero • A brilliant artist, defender of the lower classes, suffered an early death • His work showcases the heroic idea of human struggles • The Raft of the “Medusa” recounts the story of an unseaworthy vessel that was allowed to leave port by the French government that quickly sank • The survivors made a makeshift raft and managed to survive long enough to find rescue, but not before resorting to cannibalism • What does Géricault do to create drama or action in the piece? What emotions do you feel while seeing this painting?

8. The Raft of the “Medusa”

9. Painting • Francisco de Goya • Known for highly imaginative and nightmarish works • Seeks to capture the malevolence of humanity and nature • The Third of May 1808 depicts the execution of Spanish citizens by Napoleon’s troops • Note how the French troops are presented. What do you notice about them? What about the Spanish people who are being executed? What emotions do you feel while seeing this painting?

10. The Third of May 1808

11. Painting • JMW Turner • English Romantic painter • Known for his subjectivity and fragmented imagery • The Slave Ship depicts a scene from James Thompson’s poem “The Seasons” • This particular scene depicts the dumping of diseased slaves into the ocean • Note the details that are seen and the ones that are more obscure • Where do you see clear images? What is fragmented? What kind of emotion do you feel as a result of this painting?

12. The Slave Ship

13. Painting • Delacroix • Known for use of color, light, and shading • Attempts to capture high emotion • The 28th July: Liberty Leading the People showcases Liberty herself leading the French citizens during the French Revolution • Note how Delacroix uses colors in this piece. What colors stand out the most?

14. The 28th July: Liberty Leading the People

15. Theatre • As a result of the fascination with history that was rampant during the Romantic period, historical accuracy became a goal for most theatre performances • Accurate representations of the past could help transport the audience to far-off places • Early Romantic theatre saw a resurgence of popularity for the works of Shakespeare • Most of his History plays were widely performed

16. Theatre • As a result of the social changes brought on by the Industrial Revolution, theatres began offering lengthy performances that included multiple kinds of shows • Theatres tried to offer something for all audiences over the course of one massive performance • This inevitably drove the sophisticated theatregoers out of the theatre in favor of the massive, lower class audiences

17. Theatre • Characteristics of early 19th century theatre • Set groups of actors, including stars • Stayed in one place performing multiple productions during seasons • Eventually, stars began to capitalize on their popularity and touring stars became a common occurrence

18. Theatre • One of the most popular forms of theatre during the Romantic period is Melodrama • Melodrama is a highly exaggerated form of theatre that relies on sensationalism and sentimentality • High levels of excitement and high levels of emotion are essential to melodrama