Traveling with Art【28】Do you really understand romance?
The TV series "Northern and Southern" is an adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel of the same name, depicting a love story set during the Industrial Revolution. The story follows a kind and independent woman from the southern countryside who falls in love with a cold and restrained man who is a textile magnate in the north. The romanticism and hardships of the Industrial Revolution in Europe are highlighted in this tale of contrasting characters, emphasizing the strong emotions and aesthetics of romanticism. The rise of romanticism in the 18th century was influenced by societal changes brought about by reforms, growing desire for freedom and democracy, and rejection of the overly rationalistic Enlightenment era. The romantic period saw a transition from neoclassicism to romanticism in literature and philosophy, with notable figures like Goethe in literature and Beethoven in music. The emotional and imaginative expressions of romanticism are evident in the works of these artists. Romanticism's influence also extended to visual arts, transitioning French art from neoclassicism to romanticism in the tumultuous societal climate of 19th century France. The distinctions between romanticism and neoclassicism are not always absolute, as artists may draw influences from both styles. Artists like Delacroix in France and Goya in Spain are representative of the romantic period in their respective countries, embodying the emotional and free-spirited essence of romanticism in their works.