Ten Paintings of Romanticism Essay Example for Free

Ten Paintings of Romanticism Essay Romanticism has flourished in the years 1800’s to 1900’s. Romanticism in the arts particularly in the visual arts is characterized by a revolt against rationalism and classicism movement. The usual approach of the artist in their artwork is about imagination and subjectivity. Intense emotion and elusiveness is attributed to romanticism. Also, paintings in the romantic era are linked with mystical portrayal, symbolism, natured, and politics. For the purpose of giving a detailed description of paintings in the Romantic period of the arts, ten painting will be analyze and describe having qualities that are reflective of Romanticism. Napoleon on his throan, by Ingres is a painting in the romantic era because of the emphasis on the individual as Napoleon is the only human character in the painting. The painting suggests the political power of Napoleon as romantic artists are often politically and socially involved like Ingres. The throne is the symbol of Napoleon’s power as romanticism is very acquainted with symbolism. Jupiter and thetis, by Ingres is mythical as the characters were characters of the Greek mythology. The painting insinuates that a great multitude of imagination is used by the artist to depict such painting where as imagination is central among the artist of the romantic period. The frontal borderline of the painting is the same as the painting entitled â€Å"Napoleon on his throne†. Emotion is also evident in the painting, evident in Jupiter and Thetis is an intense emotion due to unique colors and contours. Napoleon crossing the Alps by Jacques Louis David is a painting that discusses a political matter. The painting has also displayed kinship with nature as one of the focused aspects of romanticism. The facial expression of Napoleon is indefinable as one of the characteristics of Romantic art is elusive images. The burial of the Sardine, by Goya is a painting which is full of symbolisms. The painting expresses a powerful sense of irony and sarcasm as the painting depicts the picture of mass hysteria which is again related to political issues as one of the aspect of romanticism period. The expression in the faces of the characters in the painting are displayed in a exact manner showing the uncanny joyfulness of the characters in the painting which is again a characteristic of romanticism in art which displays mystical images. Battle with clubs, by Goya contains images which is a symbol of the struggle between the monarchists and the liberals of the North Spain. It also tackles the political issue at that time as it portrays the civil war in Spain. The painting shows the intensity of the fight as the feet of the two men fighting with clubs are already buried in the ground but the fight still continues. Satan devouring one of his sons, by Goya is popularly called Saturn. It is an improvisation of Goya on one of the characters of mythology which is central in romanticism. It also tackles the morality of the act of Saturn which is connected to social reality. The gloomy and sinister image of the painting is an intense display of Saturn’s malevolence, the exhibition of intensity is again a part of romantic art. Elohim creating Adam is an artwork of Blake which refers to a mythical narrative which is a typical of a romantic art work. The tone and the color of the painting are also reflective of the romanticism movement in art. The images in the painting also evoke a great feeling of intensity. For Marat is a painting which depicts the political inclinations of Jacques- Louis David on politics which is insightful of the romantic era. It is also shows the melancholy of a death of man struggling (which is Jacques-Louis friend which is assassinated by a lady) for passion. However, the expression of the assassinated face of Marat is elusive of emotions. The painting is reflective of the political stance of the artist as it depicts the social realities of that time. The strong display of emotions of the painting is a romantic characteristic as it showcases death caused by a passionate insistence of principles. Definitely, the painting is considered to be under the Romantic era. The painting has also been named as the Pieta of the revolution for it has awakened the minds and hearts to struggle. Satan arousing rebel angels, by Blake contains images which are reflective of the Romanticism movement. The subject of the painting is about the political stance of Blake regarding the Bible. The subject is also of great mystery and the painting is executed with a great level of subjectivity and imagination as characters from the bible are involved. The shadings and colors of the painting is exhibited to invoke a mystic and dramatic mood. Napoleon Latvia is a painting that discusses political circumstances. The painting is about Napoleon’s conquest of Russia. The painting displays an emotion of great power as the colors are striking and intense and also a distinguishing mark of the romantic era. The approach is also subjective and highly imaginative. The painting has successfully portrayed the event and the temper that transpired during Napoleons conquest. Napoleon (sick people of) Jafa by Antoine Jean Gros, is a painting that portrays societal concerns. The colors represent a great inducement of a melodramatic style of shading. The approach used in the painting is also very imaginative. The painting fall under the romanticism era because it greatly depicts the issues of the society as it shows the visit of Napoleon to the sick people of Jaffa which are victims of the plague. References: 1. Honour, H. (1979). Romanticism. New York: Harper Row.