Romanticism, A New Age of Science & Realism Cultural Changes in Europe

Romanticism A reaction to the Enlightenment Emerged from the “Classical Period” of art and literature, balance and restraint. Romantic artists wanted to express their emotions, feelings and imagination. Sometimes exotic and unfamiliar (e.g. Shelley’s Frankenstein, Edgar A. Poe.) Beethoven bridge Class. > Rom.

A New Age of Science Jenner’s Small Pox vaccine inspires People become more secular Louis Pasteur’s Germ Theory of disease, Pasteurization. Mendeleyev classifies elements based on atomic weights

Charles Darwin On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection- Plants and animals evolved over time by adapting to their environment. “Survival of the fittest” The Descent of Man- Argued humans evolved over time like other animals. Controversial then and now (religion).

Age of Realism Realists rejected romanticism. Viewed world realistically like scientists. Chose ordinary characters rather than romantic heroes and exotic settings. Charles Dickens created vivid pictures of London poor Oliver Twist, David Copperfield. So realistic, they inspired social reform. Artists painted to show human misery.