3. Romanticism (19th Century)
• Romanticism lasted from 1800s to 1850s. It was influenced by various
revolutions happening around the world. Romanticism in art is not
about love and romance.
• It was about passion and emotions. Romanticists expressed their
feelings and passions through their art, and in turn, evoked passion in
the viewers.
• Romanticism focused on subjects that are dramatic and experimented
with emotions rarely touched upon like horror, disgust, and
astonishment. It explored themes that were contemporary and
unfamiliar in origin.
Lesson 2 - Romanticism (19th Century) Arts 9
4. Romanticism (19th Century)
Lesson 2 - Romanticism (19th Century) Arts 9
Romantic artists veered away from the stoic
and restrained emotion of Neoclassical
artworks. They preferred works that were
expressive, bathed in rich hues that elicit
emotions. Most Romantic paintings were
designed to be viewed diagonally with figures
that twist in mid-movement. Similar to the
Baroque period, the Romantics also used
dramatic lighting that drew intense reactions
from the viewers Wanderer Above
The Sea of Fog (1818)
By Caspar David Friedrich
5. Romanticism (19th Century)
Lesson 2 - Romanticism (19th Century) Arts 9
Romantic art did not limit itself to the
emotions of individuals but also
depicted the ferocity of nature. The
destructive power of nature is a
common theme in many Romantic
artworks. As Romanticism came to an
end, it was followed by the art
movement termed "Realism."
Wanderer Above
The Sea of Fog (1818)
By Caspar David Friedrich
6. Romanticism (19th Century)
Lesson 2 - Romanticism (19th Century) Arts 9
The Oxbow, View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts, after a Thunderstorm
Thomas Cole
8. Theodore Gericault (1791 – 1824)
• Théodore Géricault is considered to be the
artist who ushered Romanticism to the
public consciousness with his painting The
Raft of the Medusa. This French artist was
born on September 26, 1791 and was
influenced by Baroque artworks done by
Rubens, Velázquez, and Rembrandt. He
regularly entered his works at the salons
and after one disappointing year, he joined
the army Portrait of for a time.
Lesson 2 - Romanticism (19th Century) Arts 9
9. Theodore Gericault (1791 – 1824)
• His time as a soldier can be seen Géricault
(1816) with his recurring use of military
themes in his by Alexandre-Marie works.
He is also known for using horses in his
Colin paintings, having studied them at the
stables of the French palace. He died on
January 26, 1824 at the age of 33 due to
complications brought about by a horse-
riding accident.
Lesson 2 - Romanticism (19th Century) Arts 9
11. The Raft of the Medusa (1819)
• The artwork shows a raft crammed with people; some alive,
others dead. The survivors are shown with different
emotions. Some are in misery, while others are hoping to be
rescued.
• The painting is filled with emotions that the viewers cannot
escape from. The colors used by Géricault were somber and
subdued to add to the drama and sentimentality of the
painting.
• The influences of the academy are seen with the depiction of
twisting muscles and muscular forms,
Lesson 2 - Romanticism (19th Century) Arts 9
12. The Raft of the Medusa (1819)
The work was showcased in
the 1819 Paris Salon and
received mixed reviews. Many
were unsure as to how to feel
due to the sensitive nature of
the painting. It was purchased
after the artist's death and is
now exhibited in the Louvre.
Lesson 2 - Romanticism (19th Century) Arts 9
The Raft of the Medusa (1819)
13. Questions:
1. Romanticism was preceded by which art movement?
a. Baroque c. Realism
b. Neoclassicism d. Impressionism
2. When did Romanticism flourish?
a. 1750 to 1800s c. 1850 to 1900s
b. 1800 to 1850s d. 1900 to 1950s
3. Romanticism was followed by which art movement?
a. Baroque c. Realism
b. Neoclassicism d. Impressionism
14. Questions:
1. Romanticism was preceded by which art movement? B
a. Baroque c. Realism
b. Neoclassicism d. Impressionism
2. When did Romanticism flourish? B
a. 1750 to 1800s c. 1850 to 1900s
b. 1800 to 1850s d. 1900 to 1950s
3. Romanticism was followed by which art movement? C
a. Baroque c. Realism
b. Neoclassicism d. Impressionism
