Romanticism and the Romantic Period of art are, in most ways, misnomers. Though thoughts of love and romantic feelings are likely conjured up by those who hear the phrase, Romanticism does not follow that definition.

1. Anatoly's Art History
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
ROMANTICISM

2. Art History
Background From Anatoly
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
You may consider me a “non-practicing” artist.
Although I am by no means an expert in art history, I
do find fascination in evolution of art among various
eras. Considering my art in the form of writing, I do
take time to share art history by shedding light to the
past that emerged into the present.
Movements in art history show how humankind
expressed themselves among ages to ages.

3. Romanticism
When & Where
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
Romanticism got its roots in the late 1700's, though it
began to boom along the same timeline as the
Industrial Revolution around 1800.
It started primarily in France and Britain, began to
flourish, and spread.

4. Romanticism
Background
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
When one hears “romantic” in terms of art, one
might think it has much to do about love and
inspiration. While inspiration is a key component of
the romanticism era of art history, love did not
illuminate through works of art by romantic artists.
Easily identifiable by dark and dramatic skies,
Romanticism got its name through the deep emotion
behind this 19th century art.

5. Romanticism
Freedom from Rules
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
Gloomy and gothic, romantic art displays the emotion
between how an artist thought about themselves or
their world in the Western culture. In contrast to
Neoclassical art, which you can read more about from
previous writings of mine, Romantics strived for
freedom from traditional “rules” and allowed their
imagination inspire them. Paintings in the romantic
era feature nature and it’s essence or the peculiar
manifestations of human emotion or activity.

6. Romanticism
What it Looked Like
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
"The Course of Empire:
The Savage State" by
Thomas Cole
"The four times of day:
Midday"
by Joseph Vernet

7. Romanticism
Individualism & Imagination
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
Creating a sense of boldness, romantic artists
endeavored for individualism and uniqueness.
Opposing neoclassicism, romantics set themselves
apart even if it appeared exotic or eccentric. If you
haven’t yet noticed, two considerably main themes
among the romantic era are individualism and
imagination. Connecting human emotion with nature,
romantics turned art into horrific paintings. While
some paintings from this era are purely fascinating,
others capture a medieval, gothic and horrific image.

8. Romanticism
Rebellion
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
Contrary to neoclassical artists, romantics were
generational “rebels” without fear of stepping out.
Today, rebels are more widely accepted which comes
from roots to romanticism.
Emotion is a clear motive within romantic art. Not
only did artists in this era use inspiration from their
personal thoughts and emotions, they strived for
emotional response to their work. Today still, when
people view romantic art they are confronted with
emotion.

9. For More Art History
and Appreciation,
Visit:
TonyVanetik.net