Monday Morning Museum: Romanticism

Romanticism – Late Eighteenth Century to Mid-Nineteenth Century

Romanticism (also the Romantic era or the Romantic period) was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe toward the end of the 18th century and in most areas was at its peak in the approximate period from 1800 to 1850. Partly a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, it was also a revolt against aristocratic social and political norms of the Age of Enlightenment and a reaction against the scientific rationalization of nature. – Wikipedia.org

In addition to Caspar David Friedrich (see art example below), Romanticism is also practiced by John Constable, Joseph Mallord William Turner and William Blake.

The Wanderer Above the Mists, circa 1816-1818, by Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840)

“…represent the loneliness of the modern subject placed in a majestic landscape, as well as the failure of man in a hostile natural environment. In Friedrich's oeuvre landscape is imbued with an existential meaning, it becomes a metaphor for human fate.” – Hamburger-Kunsthalle.de

Last Monday’s Art – The Rococo Style
Next Monday’s Art – Surrealism

Top of post: “Romanticism” graphic created by Adrean Darce Brent
Below: “Monday Morning Museum” logo created by Adrean Darce Brent

Monday Morning Museum: Caspar David Friedrich

Portrait of Caspar David Friedrich, circa 1810-1820 by Gerhard von Kugelgen

Caspar David Friedrich – Monday 5 September 1774 Greifswald to Thursday 7 May 1840 Dresden

German Romantic Painter

Two Men Contemplating the Moon, circa 1825-1830

"The two men contemplating the sinking moon have been identified as Friedrich himself, on the right, and his talented young colleague August Heinrich (1794-1822). The mood of pious contemplation relates to fascination with the moon as expressed in contemporary poetry, literature, philosophy, and music. Both figures are seen from the back so that the viewer can participate in their communion with nature, which the Romantics saw as a manifestation of the Sublime.

Although the landscape is imaginary, it is based on studies after nature that Friedrich had made in various regions at different times. Both men wear Old German dress, which had been adopted in 1815 by radical students as an expression of opposition to the ultraconservative policies then being enforced in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars. The staunchly patriotic Friedrich deliberately ignored the 1819 royal decree forbidding this practice and depicted figures in traditional costume until his death." – Metropolitan Museum of Art

Last Monday’s Artist – Egon Schiele
Next Monday’s Artist – George Brassaï

“Monday Morning Museum” logo created by Adrean Darce Brent