The Romantic Era sought in some way to combat the industrial revolution, to bring about a age that seeked out answers through inner thoughts and feelings. This was a revolt against science and reason, for who needed those to explain or define the great power of nature and its beauty? The Romantic Era was just as it sounded, science had done what it needed to do, it was time to let the arts to shine.
When looking at Casper Friedrich's Wanderer Above the Sea of Mist it is not hard to see the Romantic ideals present, or at least understand what they were talking about during this time period. The picture presents a lone figure, back faced towards the viewer, overlooking a landscape covered in fog, stretching out until it is engulfed by the mist. From the way the mist lays over the landscape its as if it was the ocean, crashing against the mountains and hills the it covers. The man looks across this divide and its infinity perhaps reflecting over a journey through these hills he has taken or is about to take. Or maybe he is just in awe over it all; taken by the raw power and awe of nature.
Nature, so revered and knowing, so infinite and unchanging, this is what the enlightenment captured. Here we see this man looking into the great vastness of this landscape where the hills and fog blend seamlessly into the cloud filled sky. Where the future is uncertain and reason stands no ground to the pure emotion and awe of this awesome landscape. A man standing strong and yet so powerless is the power of nature, to the power of his own soul. I believe this painting shows more than a look on nature but a look into his very soul. The uncertainty and vast hopelessness of this man overlooking a endless sea of mist is a metaphor for his very being. His emotions vast and unpredictable, covered in mist and shadow, unknown and unexplored. This is what romanticism was about, emotion, uncertainty. Our feeling fade in and out of the fog like the mountains and the rock formations, never hinting when they will appear or disappear, and yet like this man we must face it and live it triumphantly. Like this painting we must all succumb to the great power of nature and our very inner being.
I like your blog, it is similar to what I stated, that there is uncertainty where the pathways will lead us, you just have to take the risk.
ReplyDeleteThis was very well written. I like how you expanded on Romantic ideals we learned in class. After reading your post I understand the era on a deeper level.
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