Romanticism vs Neoclassicism

Resulting in part from the libertarian and egalitarian ideals of the French Revolution, the

romantic movements had in common only a revolt against the prescribed rules of classicism.

The basic aims of romanticism were various: a return to nature and to belief in the goodness

of humanity; the rediscovery of the artist as a supremely individual creator; the development

of nationalistic pride; and the exaltation of the senses and emotions over reason and intellect.

In addition, romanticism was a philosophical revolt against rationalism. On the contrary,

classicism is a term that, when applied generally, means clearness, elegance, symmetry, and

repose produced by attention to traditional forms. It is sometimes synonymous with

excellence or artistic quality of high distinction. More precisely, the term refers to the

admiration and imitation of Greek and Roman literature, art, and architecture. Because the

principles of classicism were derived from the rules and practices of the ancients, the term

came to mean the adherence to specific academic canons.

English: Samuel Taylor Coleridge at age 42. Franç...

Wivenhoe Park by John Constable in 1816, when Mary...

Teresa Whipple was our naturalist interpreter toda...

The major differences between

Neo-Classicism and Romanticism: Romanticism pledged to the fulfillment of the heart's

desire. But classicism put faith in intellect. Romanticism rejected every rule that might

destroy the full expression of self. Classicism insisted that the creative instinct must be

subjected to rule. Romanticism was a way of feeling and it became a way of life. Classicism

was a way of thought. Romanticism embraces the concepts of the unattainable, beyond the

limits of society. Classicism embraced nobility, grandeur and virtue. The Romantic hero pits

himself against a hostile environment and at no time comes to terms with it. A classical hero

has no control and triumphs nobly in this acquiescence, otherwise he would not be

a hero.

Romantics verse Realists and Naturalists have different views of nature It will show how Romantics had a deepened appreciation...