Romanticism

Francisco Goya, a renowned painter, was born on April 30, 1746. He was known for his unique blend of classicism, realism, and romanticism in his artworks.

In 1770, the famous poet William Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth, Cumbria.

In 1772, the poet and artist William Blake began his apprenticeship to the antiquarian engraver James Basire.

Robert Southey, a prominent figure in English Romantic literature, is born in Bristol in 1774.

Jane Austen, one of the most celebrated novelists in English literature, is born in Steventon, Hampshire in 1775.

William Blake published Songs of Innocence in 1789, a collection of poetry that romanticized children and explored the themes of innocence and imagination in contrast to the corruption of adulthood.

Around the year 1790, the Era of Romanticism commenced, marking a shift from the Enlightenment's focus on reason to Romanticism's emphasis on emotion.

In 1794, the renowned artist Francisco Goya finished his painting titled 'Yard with Lunatics'. The artwork is a powerful and haunting depiction of individuals in a mental asylum, showcasing Goya's unique style and commentary on the human condition.

In 1798, Wordsworth and Coleridge published 'Lyrical Ballads, with a Few Other Poems', a significant work in English literature. This collection marked the beginning of the Romantic movement in poetry.

Romanticism, emerging around 1800, was a response to the disillusionment with Enlightenment values, emphasizing imagination and emotion. It gained momentum in France and Britain in the early 19th century, flourishing until mid-century.

In 1805, Sir Walter Scott's famous work 'Lay of the Last Minstrel' was published, and it managed to sell an impressive 44,000 copies.

One of William Wordsworth's well-known works, 'The Solitary Reaper' was published in 1807. The poem celebrates the beauty of music and reflects Wordsworth's belief in the importance of expressing emotions in poetry.

In 1810, E. T. A. Hoffmann referred to Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven as 'the three masters of instrumental compositions' who embody the romantic spirit with depth of expression and individuality.

Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage is a narrative poem by Lord Byron, depicting a man facing worldly struggles and indulging in pleasure and material wealth. Lord Byron often infused his own characteristics into the characters, such as envy, rebelliousness, and rationalism.

From January to January 26, 1813, Samuel Taylor Coleridge delivered lectures on Shakespeare at the Surrey Institution. These lectures were likely insightful and engaging, showcasing Coleridge's deep understanding of literature and drama.

In 1813, Jane Austen's novel 'Pride and Prejudice' was published. The novel, a classic of English literature, explores themes of love, class, and societal expectations in the Regency era.

In 1816, Mary Godwin, later known as Mary Shelley, commenced writing the narrative that would evolve into the iconic novel 'Frankenstein'.

In 1818, Theodore Gericault completed his masterpiece painting, The Raft of the Medusa, which depicts the tragic aftermath of the shipwreck of the French naval frigate Medusa. The painting is a powerful critique of the French government's incompetence and negligence.

Theodore Gericault's painting 'The Raft of Medusa' is a powerful depiction of a tragic event where survivors of a shipwreck are left adrift at sea. The painting captures the desperation and struggle for survival in the face of adversity.

The Romantic movement emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the supernatural in art and music.

In July 1820, John Keats, a renowned Romantic poet, releases his third volume of poetry, considered his best work. The poems explore mythical and legendary themes from various historical periods, known for their vivid imagery and eloquent language. Notable pieces like 'Ode on a Grecian Urn' and 'Ode to a Nightingale' are included.

In August 1820, Percy Bysshe Shelley publishes 'Prometheus Unbound'. The work is a lyrical drama that reimagines the myth of Prometheus, reflecting Shelley's radical views and poetic prowess. It is considered one of Shelley's major works and a significant contribution to Romantic literature.

In 1821, the renowned Romantic poet John Keats passed away in Rome.

Matthew Arnold, a prominent figure in Victorian literature and culture, was born in 1822, later becoming known for his critical essays and poetry.

In 1824, a collection of Percy Bysshe Shelley's posthumous poems was published, with editing done by his wife Mary Shelley. This publication contributed to the preservation of Shelley's literary legacy.

Mary Shelley published The Last Man in 1826, a novel that explores themes of apocalypse and human resilience. The book reflects Shelley's unique storytelling style and imaginative prowess.

The painting depicts a scene where various historical and literary figures pay homage to Homer in front of a Greek temple. Homer is portrayed in the center with his works, Iliad and Odyssey, at his feet. The artwork is considered a masterpiece of the Romantic Period.

French Romantic artist completes Liberty Leading the People, arguably his most famous painting. The piece commemorates the July 1830 revolution in France that toppled King Charles X, and emphasizes freely brushed color rather than the precise lines of previous schools of art.

Mary Shelley, the author of the iconic novel 'Frankenstein', released a revised edition of the book in this year.

Leigh Hunt, a prominent literary figure, published Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem 'The Mask of Anarchy' during this year.

The Romantic Period came to an end in 1837. It was a time marked by significant literary and artistic movements, influenced by the political and economic climate of the era.

An oil on canvas portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley by Richard Rothwell, exhibited in 1840, reflecting the Romantic interest in the emotional and supernatural themes.

In 1842, American landscape artist Thomas Cole painted The Voyage of Life series, with Childhood being the first piece. This artwork symbolizes the beginning of life, portraying a baby emerging into the world from a dark canal, set in a Romantic context with Christian allegorical themes.

In 1845, Edgar Allan Poe publishes The Raven and Other Poems, establishing himself as a prominent poet and fiction writer. Poe is credited with being the creator of the modern short story and is known for his contributions to horror and detective fiction.

In 1846, Charles Baudelaire described Romanticism as not defined by subject matter or exact truth, but by a particular way of feeling. This definition captures the essence of the Romantic art movement.

Emily Brontë publishes her novel Wuthering Heights under the pseudonym Ellis Bell in 1847, a year before her death. The novel follows Gothic romance traditions and explores Romantic themes of nature's wildness.

William Wordsworth's greatest piece, 'The Prelude', was published in 1850. This semi-autobiographical conversation poem chronicles Wordsworth's entire life and is a significant work in the Romantic literary genre.

Liszt's Faust Symphony is a three-movement symphony that serves as a musical portrait of the main characters in Goethe's Faust. It showcases the Romantic style through the depiction of characters and the incorporation of outside influences, reflecting the emphasis on nationalism and individuality.

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F Minor debuted on this date. The symphony is a significant work in the Romantic era, showcasing the composer's emotional depth and melodic richness.

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 'Pathetique' expresses contrasting emotions, giving Fate a musical character. It reflects the conflicting emotions in Tchaikovsky's life, showcasing the creativity and emotion of the Romantic era.

The article 'Romanticism' by Kathryn Calley Galitz in the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History explores the Romanticism movement in art. It provides insights into the characteristics and significance of Romanticism in the art world.