Picturing the Romantic - by Elisabeth Ansel & Johannes Grave & Christin Neubauer & Mira Claire Zadrozny (Hardcover)

About the Book

Picturing the Romantic redefines European Romanticism by exploring its transnational connections in the visual arts. This volume, featuring fifteen essays by established and emerging scholars, delves into various Romantic works of art, challenging conventional definitions and highlighting the dynamic exchanges that shaped the artistic movement.

Book Synopsis

European Romanticism in the visual arts has always been defined by transnational transfer processes. It is surprising that international aspects of Romantic movements have been, in contrast to literary studies, a gap in art historical research. Picturing the Romantic addresses this issue and reveals new perspectives on European Romanticism(s) in the visual arts by reconsidering the phenomenon's traditional canon, geographical dimensions and terminology and analysing various examples of the complex and heterogeneous works of Romantic painting. In fifteen original essays, renowned and early career researchers examine the question of whether to speak of several independently considered Romanticisms or one European Romanticism. They adopt a transnational perspective on Romantic art in and beyond Europe, focusing on the interconnections between the countries.

From the Back Cover

European Romanticism in the visual arts has always been defined by transnational transfer processes. While the investigation of international aspects of Romanticism is well established in literary studies, this approach is absent from art historical research. Picturing the Romantic seeks to fill this gap, offering fresh insights into the multifaceted world of European Romanticism(s) in the visual arts by reevaluating its traditional canon, geographical boundaries, and terminology.

This volume comprises fifteen original essays by established and emerging scholars. Together, they interrogate whether there are multiple, distinct Romanticisms or a singular, pan-European Romanticism. By adopting a transnational lens, the contributors illuminate the rich interconnections between Romantic art across different countries, challenging conventional definitions and narratives. They position Europe as a complex geopolitical subject, taking into account inner European peripheries and envisioning Romanticism as a phenomenon that transcends beyond Europe.
Each essay presents a diverse array of Romantic prints, drawings and paintings and provides novel interpretations within various international contexts. The book questions the traditional confines of art history, suggesting that Romantic art cannot be fully understood without considering the dynamic exchanges that crossed national borders.

Picturing the Romantic is not just a collection of essays but a call to rethink our understanding of European Romanticism. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the complexities of art history, the international interplay of artistic currents, and the enduring impact of Romanticism on the visual arts. This volume reshapes the scholarly discourse and inspires future research on the interconnectedness of Romantic movements.

About the Author

Elisabeth Ansel is a postdoctoral research associate and coordinator in the research group European Romanticism or Romanticisms in Europe?, Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
Christin Neubauer is a doctoral associate in the research group European Romanticism or Romanticisms in Europe?, Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
Mira Claire Zadrozny is a doctoral researcher in Art History, Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
Johannes Grave is Professor of History of Art, Friedrich Schiller University Jena.