romanticism: Characteristics of Romanticism

Resulting in part from the libertarian and egalitarian ideals of the French Revolution, the romantic movements had in common only a revolt against the prescribed rules of classicism. The basic aims of romanticism were various: a return to nature and to belief in the goodness of humanity; the rediscovery of the artist as a supremely individual creator; the development of nationalistic pride; and the exaltation of the senses and emotions over reason and intellect. In addition, romanticism was a philosophical revolt against rationalism.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Romanticism in Music
• Romanticism in the Visual Arts
• The United States
• France and Other European Countries
• Germany
• England
• Romanticism in Literature
• Characteristics of Romanticism
• Bibliography

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