The Romantic Era marks a change in human thought. The time of order, restraint, and objective exercise of the intellect were over, marking the end of the Enlightenment. The rise of the individual was growing emphasizing imagination and and spontaneity. the age of emotions, irrationality, and passion was here! Nature was viewed as more powerful than humans. The community was placed higher than the individual. Artists were viewed as a contributor to society, requiring the audience to analyze the artwork in front of them.
The picture "Wanderer Above the Sea of Mist" by Caspar David Friedrich has a lot of traits from the Romantic Era. The picture shows a man in the center standing on top of a peak/mountain. He is looking out into the distance at mountains and the sea. Their is also a fog through the picture. For one, the picture is located in nature which was viewed as a symbol of peace and restoration compared to the life in the growing industrialized cities. It seems like the sea and the sky/landscape are being blended in together. It is hard to tell when one starts and where the other ends. Also, the way the man is standing in the center of the picture makes it seem like he discovered this land. It exemplifies human thought. He is going against the social norm and sending time in what is considered universal order. He is the division of the humans and nature.
There are a lot of qualities that Friedrich leaves the audience to think about. Exactly where do you think the sea ends and land starts? What does the man look like? Why is he there? All traits that makes one wonder what the meaning behind the picture is. Are we supposed to be happy or sad while looking at this picture? The meaning is different for everyone.
The artistic style of this painting leads the audience to think of Romantic ideals. Nature and individual imagination are traits that are clearly formed during this era.
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