Romanticism’s philosophy encompasses two distinct concepts of natural beauty: sublimity and picturesqueness. Without the vast legacy of artistic and sociopolitical achievements that Europe appropriated for nationalistic pride, Americans looked to the one thing the Continent lacked – the promise of a limitless natural environment on a vast scale – to create a sense of patriotism for the up-and-coming nation. However, artists and elites additionally repurposed Romanticism as an expression of American pride and superiority. In the United States, Romanticism was similarly born out of a desire to preserve the beauty of a pristine, wondrous North American continent before its natural resources succumbed to the exploitation and destruction that was inherent to sustaining country’s capitalist economy. Romanticism was a philosophical movement from the early nineteenth century that “arose among European intellectuals such as Johann Goethe and Thomas Carlyle” that sought to idealize the natural world amidst a rapidly industrializing continent. Europe was in the midst of an economic system that encouraged the growth of urban centers and factories, and Romantics, who included artists, writers, and philosophers, looked to idealize and portray the beauty of a natural world that seemed to be on the verge of destruction from industrial capitalism. The philosophy is neither American in origin, nor is traditionally associated with the country. The contrast of the bright sun erupting from the dark clouds and illuminating the scene is certainly emblematic of sublimity, but the subtle variation of the tree leaves and rolling hills is very much picturesque.Ī discourse on Romanticism might appear to be out of place when discussing American history. Cropsey was also a part of the Hudson River School, and this oil painting could arguably be a depiction of sublimity or picturesqueness. Even today, contemporary artists look to the mystical landscapes as a guiding example for creativity and humanity."Autumn-On the Hudson River" (1860) by Jasper Francis Cropsey. Edvard Munch, Max Ernst, and other surrealists came to view Friedrich’s works as a source of inspiration. ![]() It wasn’t until the 20th century, that Friedrich’s work was re-discovered by the Norwegian art historian, Andreas Aubert, who brought his works to light for modern scholarship. All of his works are intended to be allegorical, often highlighting the insignificance of man in comparison to the grandeur and power of the natural world.Īlthough he was supported by patrons through most of his career, in his later life the thrill of the Romantic Movement faded, and Friedrich was somewhat forgotten. He captured bright mountain vistas, broken Gothic structures shrouded in fog, and scenes of darkness. Friedrich embraced this movement and celebrated the power of imagination in the romantic landscape. This movement touted that individual sense and emotions were equally important ways of interpreting the world. The Romantic movement of the 19th century challenged the rational and logical Enlightenment view of the world. These early influences shaped his iconic style that even today inspires the same contemplation and wonder. Friedrich then moved to the Academy of Copenhagen, where he entered a rigorous art education and began browsing the Dutch landscapes of the 17th century. ![]() Kosegarten believed that the natural world was a direct revelation from God, and that the artist should mediate between this world and the afterlife by providing contemplation on God’s natural wonders. ![]() He later studied at the University of Greifswald where he was influenced by Ludwig Gotthard Kosegarten, a Luthern theologian and pastor. ![]() Working in the 19th century, Friedrich defined the German Romantic Movement with a majestic and mysterious lens on nature.īorn in northern Germany in 1774 to a family of ten children, Friedrich was encouraged to sketch from an early age. How does it feel to stand upon the crest of a mountain looking into the valley below? The grandeur of nature and man’s humility was the focus of the art practice of Caspar David Friedrich. September 05, 2018Posted by Victoria Kennedy
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |