Romantic Era Blog

  The Romantic Era could be categorized as the late 18th century and continued till the mid-19th century. There were styles during this period such as the Impressionist and the Pre-Raphalite which are shown in this blog. Each piece has focus on a natural event and individuals. The strongest difference is in how each is painted. All use the medium of oil paint, yet the strongest difference is in tones and textures. 

  There is a specific texture seen in Impressionist style painting. Created by small brushstrokes almost imitating thin grass blades. It attempts to portray reality through pastel-like tones. The scenes are natural and light. The Pre-Raphalite style began from a fraternity group, or brotherhood as they called themselves. There was a focus on creating decorative artworks with a reformative flair. Like the Impressionist style, Pre-Raphalite also focused on naturalistic depictions. 

Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renior 

    This work is of the Impressionist style. The focus of this work is centered on the subjects and the extravagant event. It was painted between 1880 and 1881. I was unable to find the location in which it was created though I would assume in France. All of the subjects are Renior's friends with individuals such as a journalist speaking with his future wife. I personally find this work eye-catching, and would possibly have it in my home library if I had one. The tones lack a deep contrast, leaving the piece with an airy feel. 

Le Dejeuner sur l'herbe by Edouard Manet

  Another in the Impressionist style, this piece also depicts a luncheon. There are two nude females with two males enjoying lunch on the grass. Originally, this piece was a shock just like a majority of the works created in the Romantic Era. It is one of Manet's most famous pieces due to the shock factor it elicited in 1863. The tones are light yet cold. Personally, I would not have this in my home. 

Ophelia by John Everett Millais

  This may seem quite similar to the previous work, but Ophelia is a Pre-Raphalite style work created in 1851. It is inspired by Shakespeare's Hamlet and depicts a suicide. There is more contrast in the tones. The subject is placed delicately in the center surrounded by textures that don't distract but rather intricate the piece. I thought it had this flare of decorativeness since the piece is not on a typical rectangular canvas. It is natural and beautiful, and oddly enough I would have this in my home. 

 Convent Thoughts by Charles Allston Collins

  This Pre-Raphalite work was created in 1851. Again, there is more contrast in the tones. The focus lies on the nun who looks at the "passion flower" which represents the crucifixion of Christ. Each of the details, especially the flowers symbolizes another meaning while still focusing on the natural subject. I like how the work is simple and graceful and would have it in my home. 

"CONVENT THOUGHTS". Ashmolean.Org, https://www.ashmolean.org/convent-thoughts.

"Impressionism". Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/art/Impressionism-art.

"Luncheon Of The Boating Party". Phillipscollection.Org, https://www.phillipscollection.org/collection/luncheon-boating-party.

Meagher, Jennifer. "The Pre-Raphaelites". Metmuseum.Org, 2004, https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/praf/hd_praf.htm.

"Romanticism". Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/art/Romanticism.

Takac, Balasz. "The Everlasting Mystery Of Le Déjeuner Sur L'herbe By Édouard Manet". Widewalls, 2019, https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/le-dejeuner-sur-lherbe-edouard-manet.

"The Meaning Of 'Ophelia' By John Everett Milliais". Culture Trip, 2016, https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/england/london/articles/the-meaning-of-ophelia-by-john-everett-millais/.