In a revolt against rationalism, Romanticism sought to return to nature and the belief in the goodness of humanity, with the artist considered to be a profoundly individual creator. Beginning in the early 19th century, Romantic ideals developed largely in opposition to the traditions of Greco-Roman antiquity, and advocated an open-ended and progressive-that is, modern-view of the age.
Yet Romantic artists, searching perhaps for unattainable ideals, also looked back to the late medieval and Renaissance periods for nostalgic themes of Judeo-Christian heritage; drawing from these, they believed that a politically and intellectually enlightened utopia could be achieved. Romantic styles and subjects varied widely throughout Europe and America, ranging from tranquil contemplative scenes to spectacularly staged events, and it is precisely this diversity that lends Romantic art its fascination and lasting influence.
This volume gathers an essay situating the genre across different regions, crisp painting reproductions, and detailed interpretations of 31 crucial pieces to offer a comprehensive introduction to Romanticism.
About the series
Born back in 1985, the Basic Art Series has evolved into the best-selling art book collection ever published. Each book in TASCHEN's Basic Art History series features:
approximately 100 color illustrations with explanatory captions
a detailed, illustrated introduction
a selection of the most important works of the epoch, each presented on a two-page spread with a full-page image and accompanying interpretation, as well as a portrait and brief biography of the artist



![Rubin, Rick MUSIC Rick Rubin: The Creative Act: A Way of Being [2023] hardback](http://chaptersbookstore.com/cdn/shop/files/rubin-rick-rick-rubin-the-creative-act-a-way-of-being-2023-hardback-56888283332947_{width}x.jpg?v=1719073387)

![Moorhead, Joanna ART Joanna Moorhead: The Surreal Life of Leonora Carrington [2017] paperback](http://chaptersbookstore.com/cdn/shop/files/moorhead-joanna-joanna-moorhead-the-surreal-life-of-leonora-carrington-2017-paperback-57654797533523_{width}x.jpg?v=1727909581)
![Laing, Olivia LITERARY CRITICISM Olivia Laing: Funny Weather: Art in an Emergency [2021] paperback](http://chaptersbookstore.com/cdn/shop/files/laing-olivia-olivia-laing-funny-weather-art-in-an-emergency-2021-paperback-52950980428115_{width}x.jpg?v=1700130734)
![Geis, Patricia BARGAIN ART New Patricia Geis: Meet the Artist Vincent van Gogh: Meet the Artist! [2015] hardback](http://chaptersbookstore.com/cdn/shop/files/geis-patricia-patricia-geis-meet-the-artist-vincent-van-gogh-meet-the-artist-2015-hardback-9781616894566-58847872483667_{width}x.jpg?v=1726818615)