Romantic Art

The Romantic art movement originated in western Europe during the latter half of the 18th Century, its most prominent practitioner being William Blake who was himself classical in being unrecognized during his time but epochal to the movement as history now shows. Other prominent romantic artists include Eugene DeLaCroix and Samuel Palmer.

Romanticism in art is one of the most elusive movements to define. Its artists sought to separate themselves from the neoclassical and demonstrate deep emotional purpose yet still often fell back to neoclassical devices in their work, specifically love of country and individual sacrifice as themes and depiction of ancient ideals.

The romantic art movement is considered to transcend not just the realm of formal art but also those of literature, music and intellectualism as represented by the works of Mozart and Beethoven. Many commissions in commemoration of the American Revolution took place within this period as well and such paintings are quite representative of the style in their level of detail.

There is no single feature that identifies romantic art other than its date of creation. It is an embodiment of spirit which suited its time and which is to this day imitated by contemporaries. Portraitists and historians alike prefer the detailed accuracy and the evocation of emotion the romantic art provides.