Romanticism (Early 19th Century):
- Romanticism was rooted in the rejection of the Enlightenment's emphasis or rationality and order it favored emotions, individualism, and the exploration of nature.
- Landscape Painting: Romanticism art often featured dramatic, untamed landscapes, mirroring the idea of nature as a powerful, unbridled force.
- Literature and Poetry: Romantic writers and poets, like William Wordsworth, John Keats, and Lord Byron, celebrated nature's beauty, questioned social norms, and expressed personal emotions.
Realism (Mid-19th Century):
- Realism rejected Romanticism's idealized view of the word. It focused on accurately portraying contemporary society, often delving into harsh and even unpleasant aspects of life.
- Social Commentary: Realist painters, such as Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet, used their art to critique social injustices, poverty, and class divisions.
Impressionism (Late 19th Century):
- Impressionism was a revolutionary approach to painting the emerged in France. Impressionist artists aimed to capture fleeting moments and sensations of light and color.
- Experiencing of Reality: Impressionist paintings, such as Claude Monet's "Impression, Sunrise," emphasized subjective perception of reality rather than objective detail.
Symbolism (Late 19th Century):
- Symbolism used suggestive imagery, symbolism, and allegory to convey complex ideas and emotions beyond surface level.
- Abstraction: Symbolist art was often abstract and mysterious, inviting the viewer to interpret the works on a deeper level.
Modernism (Early 20th Century):
- Modernism disrupted traditional forms and techniques in art and literature. It was characterized experimentation, fragmentation, and the rejection of traditional norms.
- Cubism: Modernists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque developed new ways of depicting objects, breaking down forms into geometric shapes.
Stream of Consciousness:** Modernist literature reflected psychological complexity, using techniques such as interior monologues to present characters' inner thoughts.
These movements demonstrate the dynamic relationship between art, culture, and society in 19th-century Europe. Each movement echoed the concerns, questions, and aspirations of people living through dramatic period of change, contributing to the rich tapestry of European artistic and intellectual history.