Romanticism is an aesthetic movement that began in the late 18th century, and it emphasized the individual, the emotions, and the imagination. It rejected the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and science, which had been the dominant intellectual force since the 17th century. Romanticism valorized emotion over intellect, and it celebrated nature, feeling, and intuition. It championed the individual over the collective, advocating for expressive and subjective art.
Romanticism was not just an artistic movement; it also influenced politics. The Romantic era coincided with a period of political upheaval in Europe as monarchies fell to republican revolutions—and Romanticism emphasized individual rights over those of leaders or governments.
Romanticism’s influence extended well into 19th-century literature and art. In fact, you can see traces of romanticism in many popular works today: from fairy tales like “Cinderella” to contemporary movies like “Enchanted,” which both feature strong female protagonists who are guided by their feelings rather than reason!
