Romanticism

"Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog"

Casper David Friedrich (1774 - 1840) 

• Romanticism is a style used to bring out one's emotions, not just in the Romantic sense as the title suggests. In Friedrich's "Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog" we see how one is to feel at awe with nature, and also somewhat lost. So the meaning behind the painting is a bunch of personal emotions triggered by one's own thoughts. 

This painting has a more tranquil feel, expressed by the soft blues and whites; much unlike "The Nightmare" (bottom picture) which has a darker feel towards the Imp and the mare, in contrast to the lady who is painted in a fair attire.

"The Nightmare"

Henry Fussli ( 1741 - 1825 )

• Fussli's work was inspired mainly from Shakespeare's literacy. It is believed that the Imp arrived into the lady's bedroom upon the mare. The lady is lying in a dramatic position which shows how uncomfortable she must have felt. The Imp is placed upon her torso, tormenting her sensually with his demonic powers. 
• The artist chose to place a mare in his painting, even though the painting is focused on the lady and imp; its a link between the image and the title- "Nightmare" 
• At the time the painting was painted, it was believed that nightmares were caused by pain in the chest/torso area, hence the placement of the imp.

  

"Liberty Leading the People"

Eugene Delacroix (1798 -1863)

• Another subject of Romanticism can be expressed through rebellion. When looking at the senario of the revolts happening during the time this was painted in France; one can understand truly why there are so many "rebellious aspects" within the painting. Firstly, the center of the picture, forming a pyramid of attention depicts a female figure leading a group of men and is waving a French flag. The fact that she is holding a flag shows how devoted she is to her country, a sort of patriotism; but there is something "socially wrong". In her other hand she is holding a rifle. Since when are women allowed to lead people through revolts with arms in her hands? (that in itself is a sort of revolt) Well in fact she is just an allegory, She is Liberty. 
• Before her on the ground lay dead bodies. This shows that there has been an action that took place before. The men following Liberty have the same colour palette as that of Liberty herself. So there is a union between the painting. The child to the left to Liberty's left shows that devastation of revolution and its after effects. It makes you think of all the lives that were diminished and ruined, and not only of the noble but the poor as well. 
• Another note of rebellion can be seen through the rough brush strokes which are almost violent in themselves. Much unlike Friedich's "Wanderer above the sea of fog". 

Source- 

Kerrianne Stone, 2008. The incubus in the collections  [pdf] University of Melbourne Collections. Available at: <https://www.unimelb.edu.au/culturalcollections/research/collections3/stone.pdf> [Accessed 17th February 2014].