1. The Romantic Era
By: Nicholas McClain

2. What was it?
The Romantic Era was an Artistic and Intellectual movement that originated in Europe and lasted from 1770 AD to 1850 AD.
Romanticism mainly contributed to the Music and Art but it did have an impact on Science and Education.

3. How did it come to be?
The Romantic Era is considered to be a response to the Industrial Revolution and a rebellion to The Age of Enlightenment.
The people of the Romantic Era disagreed with the political ideals, the Aristocratic government and the Rationalization of nature of The Age of Enlightenment.

4. Key Characteristics
One of the main characteristics of the Romantic Era was the love of nature. This was a reaction to the sudden change of normal lives in the quiet countryside to lives in the bustling city. As a result of this many Romantic and Victorian painters painted sombre city and nature landscapes.
The love of nature also made its way into Music with pieces such as Ludwig van Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony. Bedřich Smetana's Má vlast and Jean Sibelius' Finlandia all of which show themes of Nature and Nationalism, another common Romantic feature.

5. Key Characteristics II
Another characteristic of the Romantic Era was Nationalism. Nationalism influenced everything from changes in language to changes in Art. An example of language change would be the Norwegians creating Landsmål, the form of language that 10% of Norway spoke to achieve a unique identity.
Eugène Delacroix - Liberty Leading the People. French Nationalist art.

6. Key Characteristics III
Emotions played a huge role in Romantic art. William Wordsworth said that “poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”
Another feature of the Romantic Era was Exoticism which took interest in far off mysterious lands.
Wanderer above the Sea of Fog – Caspar David Friedrich

7. Key Characteristics IV
One of the last Characteristics of the Romantic Era was the Supernatural. Romantic authors in particular were very interested in the occult and supernatural topics. Authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and William Wordsworth used this.
Edgar Allan Poe

8. Music of the Romantic Era
The Romantic Era was known for introducing things such as Emotions, Nationalism and Nature into Music. Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt and many others were all successful Romantic composers.
Frédéric François Chopin

9. Art of the Romantic Era
Art in the romantic era used colours as energy and made art for the common folk. Romantic painters were especially interested in the mystic and natural landscapes.
The Slave Ship – J.M.W Turner

10. Literature of the Romantic Era
Romantic literature is characterised by dramatic dialogue, dramatic plot and grim topics such as the supernatural, the common man, heroism and nationalism.
William Wordsworth

11. Romanticism vs. Victorianism
Many think that the Romantic and Victorian eras are similar, just in different time periods, however they are wrong. The Romantic Era relies on Idealism, expression and freedom while the Victorian Era relies on firm rules, realism and emotional restraint.
Briggate, Leeds - John Atkinson Grimshaw. Take note of the more refined, realistic style compared to the dramatic and exotic style of Romantic paintings.

12. Summary
The Romantic Era was overall an era of artistic and musical creativity that focused on emotions, far away places, nature and many other topics. The Romantic Era lead directly into the Victorian Era which shares some similarities with the Romantic Era but is mostly different because of the opposing values both eras had towards each other.