Movement guide

Romanticism

late 18th–mid 19th century

Representative Romanticism artwork — Representative work from the Explainary collection.

Detail from a Romanticism artwork — Detail crop for texture and technique.

A movement that favored emotion, drama, and the sublime over calm order and restraint.

What defines it

Dramatic subjects and heightened emotion
Dynamic compositions and bold color
Interest in history, revolt, and the sublime

Techniques and innovations

Expressive brushwork
Strong diagonals to create movement

Key artists

Key works in Explainary