Romanticism Explained through Paintings

Oxford Comma
21 Jan 201906:56

Summary

TLDRThis video explores Romanticism in European art, focusing on England. It contrasts Romanticism with the Enlightenment, emphasizing emotion over intellect, individualism, and nature. Paintings like Fuseli's 'The Nightmare' and Friedrich's 'Wanderer above the Sea of Fog' illustrate the movement's themes, including the supernatural, the Byronic hero, and the sublime.

Takeaways

  • 🌍 The focus of the video is on European, particularly English, Romanticism, acknowledging its global presence.
  • πŸ“š Romanticism is presented as a reaction to the Enlightenment, emphasizing emotion over intellect.
  • πŸ’“ The term 'romantic' is associated with evoking strong emotions, especially the 'sublime', a feeling of awe.
  • 🏞 The Romantics valued the individual and nature, contrasting with the Enlightenment's focus on society and industry.
  • 🎨 The video uses paintings to illustrate Romanticism, highlighting the emotional impact of art over intellectual analysis.
  • πŸ‘Ώ 'The Nightmare' by Henry Fuseli is discussed as an example of supernatural elements and high emotional content in Romantic art.
  • πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈ Lord Byron represents the 'Byronic hero', a character type that is complex, flawed, and individualistic.
  • 🌍 The Romantics showed interest in other cultures, as seen in the painting of Lord Byron in Albanian dress.
  • πŸ§™β€β™€οΈ 'Manfred and the Alpine Witch' connects the supernatural with nature, illustrating the Romantic fascination with the sublime.
  • 🌁 'Wanderer above the Sea of Fog' by Caspar David Friedrich is noted for encapsulating the essence of Romanticism with its emphasis on the individual's experience of nature.
  • πŸ“– 'Frankenstein' is mentioned as a major work of Romanticism, different in nature from the Enlightenment's structured works like a dictionary.

Q & A

  • What is the main focus of the Romantics in contrast to the Enlightenment?

    -The Romantics focused on emotion rather than intellect, emphasizing individualism, nature, and beauty, as opposed to the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, order, and the pursuit of a perfect society.

  • What is the significance of the term 'sublime' in the context of Romanticism?

    -The sublime refers to an overwhelming, awe-inspiring feeling that is often associated with nature or the supernatural. It is a key emotion that the Romantics sought to evoke in their works.

  • How does the painting 'The Nightmare' by Henry Fuseli exemplify Romanticism?

    -The painting 'The Nightmare' showcases the supernatural with the presence of ghostly figures and conveys strong emotions such as fear or discomfort, aligning with the Romantic emphasis on emotion and the supernatural.

  • What is the Byronic hero and how does it relate to Romanticism?

    -The Byronic hero is a character archetype characterized by a dark, brooding nature and a complex moral compass. This type of hero is individualistic and often struggles with personal demons, embodying the Romantic ideal of the individual and the fascination with the darker aspects of human nature.

  • Why is Lord Byron depicted in Albanian dress in the painting 'Lord Byron in Albanian Dress'?

    -The depiction of Lord Byron in Albanian dress reflects the Romantic interest in other cultures and the individualistic nature of the Byronic hero. It also highlights the Romantic fascination with the exotic and the desire to break away from traditional norms.

  • What is the significance of nature in Romantic art and literature?

    -Nature is a central theme in Romantic art and literature, often serving as a backdrop for exploring the sublime and the emotional depth of the human experience. It is depicted as a powerful force that can inspire awe and evoke deep emotions.

  • How does the painting 'Manfred and the Alpine Witch' by John Martin relate to Romanticism?

    -The painting 'Manfred and the Alpine Witch' features the Byronic hero in a supernatural setting, set against a dramatic landscape. It embodies the Romantic fascination with the supernatural, individualism, and the emotional intensity of the human experience.

  • What is the role of the Byronic hero in 'Manfred' by Lord Byron?

    -In 'Manfred', the Byronic hero is a solitary figure who grapples with his own conscience and supernatural forces. The character embodies the Romantic ideals of individualism, emotional depth, and the struggle against personal demons.

  • Why is 'Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog' by Caspar David Friedrich considered a quintessential Romantic painting?

    -The painting 'Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog' captures the essence of Romanticism through its depiction of a lone figure contemplating a vast, awe-inspiring landscape. It embodies the Romantic ideals of individualism, the sublime, and the emotional power of nature.

  • How does the painting 'Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog' convey the Romantic concept of the sublime?

    -The painting conveys the sublime by presenting a scene that is both beautiful and terrifying, evoking a sense of awe and overwhelming emotion. The figure's back turned to the viewer suggests a contemplative stance, further emphasizing the Romantic focus on individual emotional experience.

  • What is the relationship between Romanticism and the novel 'Frankenstein'?

    -The novel 'Frankenstein' is a major work of Romantic literature, exploring themes of individualism, the supernatural, and the consequences of scientific ambition. It embodies the Romantic fascination with the darker aspects of human nature and the moral complexities of scientific discovery.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Introduction to Romanticism in Europe

The speaker introduces the focus of the video, which is on Romanticism in Europe, particularly England. Romanticism was widespread across Europe and the Americas, but this discussion is tailored to those studying British literature. The speaker sets the stage by contrasting Romanticism with Enlightenment values, highlighting the shift from intellect and societal order to emotion and individualism.

05:02

πŸ–ŒοΈ The Contrast Between Enlightenment and Romanticism

This section explains how Romanticism differs from the Enlightenment. While the Enlightenment emphasized intellect, order, and societal perfection, Romanticism focused on emotion, nature, individualism, and the sublime. Romanticism is portrayed as a reaction against the analytical and industrial focus of the Enlightenment, favoring beauty and emotional truth over intellectual order.

πŸŒ™ The Nightmare by Henry Fuseli

The speaker analyzes 'The Nightmare' by Henry Fuseli, highlighting its Romantic elements. The painting features supernatural themes with a troll-like figure and evokes strong emotions of fear and discomfort. Despite its unsettling nature, the painting also incorporates beauty, illustrating the Romantic emphasis on emotional and aesthetic impact over comfort.

πŸ¦Έβ€β™‚οΈ Lord Byron and the Byronic Hero

This part discusses a painting of Lord Byron in Albanian dress, exploring the concept of the Byronic hero. The Byronic hero is characterized as an edgy, individualistic figure with a dark past. The painting also reflects the Romantic fascination with other cultures, illustrating Byron's embodiment of Romantic ideals through his adventurous and emotionally complex persona.

πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈ Manfred and the Alpine Witch by John Martin

The speaker examines 'Manfred and the Alpine Witch' by John Martin, which features themes of the supernatural and nature. The painting, based on a play by Lord Byron, depicts a Byronic hero in a beautiful, natural setting. The combination of supernatural elements and stunning landscapes exemplifies the Romantic integration of beauty with otherworldly themes.

🌫️ Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich

This section focuses on 'Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog' by Caspar David Friedrich, a quintessential Romantic painting. It portrays a Byronic hero standing above a foggy, awe-inspiring landscape. The painting captures the sublime, evoking feelings of both terror and beauty, and is often associated with the cover of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein,' another Romantic masterpiece.

πŸ“š Conclusion and Further Exploration

The speaker concludes by summarizing the key aspects of Romanticism and encouraging further exploration of Romantic art and poetry. Links to additional resources are provided for those interested in delving deeper into Romantic literature. The speaker invites viewers to subscribe and engage in discussion in the comments, expressing appreciation for their audience.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Romanticism

Romanticism is a cultural and artistic movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century. It emphasized emotion, individualism, and nature over the rationalism and industrialism of the Enlightenment. In the video, Romanticism is contrasted with the Enlightenment's focus on intellect and order, highlighting the Romantics' interest in emotion, the sublime, and the individual hero.

πŸ’‘Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the 18th century. It valued reason, science, and the pursuit of knowledge to build a perfect society. In the video, the Enlightenment is described as the precursor to Romanticism, with its emphasis on intellect and order, which Romanticism sought to counter with a focus on emotion and individualism.

πŸ’‘Sublime

The sublime is an aesthetic concept that refers to the feeling of awe and reverence that is inspired by the vastness or power of nature. In the video, the sublime is highlighted as a key emotion that Romantics sought to evoke, exemplified by the feeling of being overwhelmed by the beauty of a national park.

πŸ’‘Byronic Hero

The Byronic hero is a type of character archetype popularized by the works of Lord Byron. These characters are often brooding, complex, and flawed, yet they possess a deep sense of morality. In the video, the Byronic hero is illustrated through the character of Lord Byron himself, who is depicted in an Albanian dress, symbolizing the Romantic fascination with individualism and the exotic.

πŸ’‘Nature

Nature is a central theme in Romanticism, often depicted as a powerful and beautiful force that can inspire awe and emotion. The video discusses how Romantics turned away from the industrial focus of the Enlightenment towards a celebration of nature, as seen in the works of the Lake Poets and in the painting 'Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog'.

πŸ’‘Emotion

Emotion is a key element in Romanticism, replacing the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and intellect. The video explains that Romantic works are meant to evoke strong feelings, such as love, fear, or awe, rather than intellectual analysis. This is exemplified in the painting 'The Nightmare' by Henry Fuseli, which is described as an emotional painting that makes the viewer feel fear.

πŸ’‘Beauty

Beauty in Romanticism is not confined to traditional standards like symmetry or the golden ratio. Instead, it is associated with a more emotional and subjective appreciation of nature and art. The video mentions how Romantics, like Keats, believed that beauty is truth and that it is deeply connected to emotion, as seen in the painting 'The Nightmare' where the woman's pose is described as beautiful despite the unsettling context.

πŸ’‘Frankenstein

Frankenstein is a novel by Mary Shelley, often considered a major work of Romantic literature. The video highlights how Frankenstein differs from the Enlightenment's rational approach, focusing instead on the emotional and moral complexities of creation and the consequences of playing with nature. It is a stark contrast to the ordered and rational works of the Enlightenment, such as Dr. Johnson's dictionary.

πŸ’‘Individualism

Individualism is a core principle of Romanticism, emphasizing the importance of the individual over societal norms and expectations. The video discusses how Romantics celebrated the individual, as seen in the portrayal of the Byronic hero and the focus on personal emotion and experience, rather than conforming to societal structures.

πŸ’‘Supernatural

The supernatural is a recurring theme in Romantic art and literature, often used to evoke a sense of wonder and mystery. The video references the supernatural in paintings like 'The Nightmare' and 'Manfred and the Alpine Witch,' where supernatural elements are used to create a sense of awe and to explore the boundaries between the natural and the unknown.

πŸ’‘Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog

This painting by Caspar David Friedrich is a quintessential example of Romantic art, capturing the essence of the sublime. The video describes how the painting embodies Romanticism through its depiction of a lone figure (the Byronic hero) in a vast, awe-inspiring landscape, evoking a sense of wonder and the power of nature.

Highlights

The episode focuses on European Romanticism, particularly in England, due to the presenter's expertise and audience interest.

Romanticism is contrasted with the Enlightenment, emphasizing emotion over intellect.

The Romantics valued the individual and the sublime emotion, an awestruck feeling often associated with nature.

The Byronic hero, a character type based on Lord Byron, represents the edgy, flawed yet striving-for-good hero.

Romanticism is characterized by a fascination with the supernatural and a departure from societal norms.

The Romantics were interested in nature and the beauty found in landscapes, often depicted with an emotional intensity.

The painting 'The Nightmare' by Henry Fuseli exemplifies Romanticism with its supernatural elements and emotional impact.

Romanticism often features a focus on beauty, with Keats' quote 'Beauty is truth, truth beauty' highlighting this belief.

The painting 'Lord Byron in Albanian Dress' illustrates the Romantic interest in individualism and other cultures.

The play 'Manfred' and the painting 'Manfred and the Alpine Witch' showcase the Byronic hero and the Romantics' love for nature and the supernatural.

Caspar David Friedrich's 'Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog' is a quintessential Romantic painting, capturing the essence of the sublime.

Romanticism is not just about intellect but about the heart, with a focus on emotion and personal experience.

The episode suggests that Romanticism can be found in various forms of art, including paintings and literature.

The Romantics were smart but prioritized the heart over the mind, valuing emotional experiences.

The episode encourages viewers to explore more about Romanticism through provided links and further discussion.

The painting 'Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog' is suggested to be on the cover of some editions of 'Frankenstein', a major work of Romanticism.

Transcripts

play00:00

in this episode we're gonna be using

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paintings to examine what exactly the

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romantics were all about now I should

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point out right away that I'm gonna be

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focusing on Europe particularly England

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for romanticism and that's not all

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encompassing it was taking place all

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over Europe Russia the Americas all over

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the place but I'm just looking at what I

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know best and what I think most of you

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are probably looking for cuz if you're

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watching this video you're probably

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taking like a British literature class

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or maybe maybe I don't know maybe you're

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just interested in it whatever it might

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be

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thanks for watching let's dive right

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into it so what is romanticism you know

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how you have different tastes than your

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parents and grandparents in movies and

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music well the reason for that is

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because you're a human and part of being

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human is finding your own thing

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so it's hard to examine romanticism

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without first looking at what the

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romantics parents and grandparents were

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interested in and that was enlightenment

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which is all about intellect building a

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perfect society the Industrial

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Revolution putting things in an order

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like kingdom phylum class genus species

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all that sort of stuff and even putting

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words in an order such as a Dictionary

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of the English language by dr. Samuel

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Johnson one of the major works of the

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Enlightenment to contrast that

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romanticism is not about intellect but

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emotion right when you say something is

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romantic that's because it makes you

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feel lovey emotions the romantics

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wouldn't have narrowed that word to just

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love in fact the most particular emotion

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for them is the sublime which is this

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awestruck feeling like if you've been to

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a national park and it just takes your

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breath away instead of society they're

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all about the individual and this new

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type of hero that emerges we'll talk

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about that instead of industry they're

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about nature there's a lot of Lake poets

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in England and this includes the super

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nature or supernatural you'll see some

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of that in this art and then instead of

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just order they're more focused on

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beauty Keats said beauty is truth and

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truth beauty and that's all you need to

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know so yes there is some order to

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beauty but they're not narrowing it to

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golden ratios

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or you know just symmetry they're

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looking at a much more emotional

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approach less analytic and finally

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Frankenstein is the major work of

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Romanticism which is a very different

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read than the dictionary if you've never

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read it so yeah basically the romantics

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they're very smart people still but

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their focus is no longer on the mind

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it's on the heart let's look at some

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paintings to figure this out shall we

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all right first off we have the

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nightmare by Henry Fuseli this is kind

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of a colloquial name for it the exact

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Italian name is a little bit longer but

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I like calling it the nightmare because

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it's at night and there's a mayor and

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it's got some crazy eyes going on all

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right so what romanticism is going on in

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this painting though first off you have

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the supernatural right troll dudes

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sitting on this woman's chest second off

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you have high levels of emotion this is

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not an intellectual painting it's an

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emotional painting it makes you feel

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fear or distraught or discomfort or

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maybe even beauty I put that one there

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because the way the woman is laying off

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this bed is pretty beautiful for a

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nightmare I don't know about you but

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when I have a nightmare I'm probably

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sweating and curled up I'm definitely

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not laying like that in fact if I'm

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laying like that I'm dead because my

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spine broke because that looks very

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uncomfortable but for the romantics it's

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not about what's comfortable it's about

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what's beautiful

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all right next painting here we have

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Lord Byron in Albanian dress by Phillips

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Thomas Lord Byron was one of the

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celebrities of Romanticism English poet

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here and like I said he's English not

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Albanian so why is he wearing Albanian

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dress well that's gonna tell us

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something about romanticism first off

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you have the Byronic hero this is a

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character type Lord Byron kind of based

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off himself the Byronic hero is an edgy

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hero he's doesn't just stand for good

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he's not Superman he is Batman or Walter

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white or Deadpool the Byronic hero has

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some stuff that's messed him up a little

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bit but he still strives to do right

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he's just kind of blurs some lines along

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the way and he has kind of a dark past

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very brooding lonesome figure again the

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Byronic hero is an individual so he's

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individualistic

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and the last thing which doesn't have to

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do with the Byronic hero but more the

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painting itself is that the romantics

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were very interested in other cultures

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whether it be Albanian Arabian Greek or

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Roman Roman romantic no that's where it

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comes from next painting this is Manfred

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and the Alpine witch by John Martin

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Manfred is a closet play by Lord Byron

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so it's a play just meant to be read not

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necessarily acted out loud although they

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tried to perform an on stage and don't

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think it went well cuz you need a

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mountain but anyway here you see the

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Byronic hero lone figure you see

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supernatural the witch the soul all that

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sort of stuff and it takes place in

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nature in this beautiful setting for

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nature when you think supernatural you

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think like selling your soul to the

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devil or a witch or whatever it might be

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you're probably not picturing this like

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Yosemite looking landscape but here you

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see that beauty is again infused even

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with the supernatural perhaps the most

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famous painting of all of Romanticism is

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Caspar David Friedrich

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wanderer above the sea of fog if you

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have an edition of Frankenstein this

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might be on the cover of it and this

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painting is just absolutely

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encapsulating for Romanticism you see

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nature at work here you have this

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Byronic hero right

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he's like an adventurer but he's edgy

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which is why his back has turned to you

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he's dressed in dark clothing yes like

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this cane thing you see Beauty going on

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it's like a terrifying landscape but

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it's still beautiful and I think it's

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just a great example of the sublime at

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play you have this awestruck feeling as

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you're standing almost like above the

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clouds it's a little terrifying but it

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would certainly take your breath away so

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I hope that helped explain a little bit

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about Romanticism there's a lot more

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paintings out there there's a lot more

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poems if you're interested in learning

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more about romantic poems in particular

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I put some links here

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this end card also feel free to

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subscribe if you want to see more videos

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like this and above all else thank you

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so much for watching and if you have

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questions about any of this or you want

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to start a conversation about it do so

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in the comments love talking to you guys

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thank you so much have a good one bye

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Related Tags
RomanticismEmotionsEnlightenmentIndividualismNatureSupernaturalByronic HeroSublimeArt AnalysisLiterary Movement