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Westminster Abbey-Nicholas Hawksmoor
The two West towers of Westminster Abbey were designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and built in Gothic revival design. The towers were constructed between 1722 and 1745. This does fall on the early side, but it is nonetheless an example of the revival of Gothic themes that tie into Romanticism. The architecture is rather over the top, and exaggerated, as is typical of Romantic constructions of the time. -
The British Museum-Sir Robert Smirke
The British Museum has been through many stages, and many since remodels, but the exterior façade was originally designed in 1753 by Sir Robert Smirke. It is reflected of the Greek revival style, and remains as such to this day. It was built just as Romanticism was starting to rise to popularity in Europe. The fascination with the ancient myths resurfaced, and with it, began the Romanticism movement, with an interest in epics, myths, and ancient culture. -
The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"The Sorrows of Young Werther" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was first published in 1774. Told in epistolary style, it tells of Werther's life as he despairs upon loosing the woman he loves when she marries another man. The story focuses on the depths of human despair, and functions as semi-autobiographical, and Goethe experienced similar events in his own life. Though Werther meets a self-inflicted untimely end, the work was cathartic for Goethe, and helped him to safely express his emotions. -
The Nightmare-Henry Fuseli
"The Nightmare" by Henry Fuseli is an oil painting from 1781 that shows an angelic woman distraught, seemingly controlled by an monster or ape of some kind. The work was well-received as its dreamlike, or rather, nightmarish, qualities haunted viewers. At least three versions exist. It remains an example of Romantic period art given its focus on emotion and despair, with hints of mythology. -
The Vindication of the Rights of Woman-Mary Wollstonecraft
"The Vindication of the Rights of Woman" by Mary Wollstonecraft is one of the earliest feminist works, and explores the role of women in the political sector. Her work was among the first that asserted that women should receive education beyond how to attend to household affairs. She advocated for women to know themselves, not just their husbands. Mary is also mother to author Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein. -
Psyche Awakened by Cupid's Kiss-Antonio Canova
"Psyche Awakened by Cupid's Kiss" by Antonio Canova portrays the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche in marble. Cupid comes to Psyche as she sleeps, and tenderly awakens her with a kiss. This romantic-era piece returns to the Greek mythology as is common with romanticism pieces, and brings new life to the old myth. -
The Marriage of Heaven and Hell-William Blake
"The Marriage of Heaven and Hell" by William Blake is a short novel written in poetic form. It is Blake's own mythology, and his attempt at writing an epic. It does touch on and incorporate allegorical themes, but it primarily focuses on his own telling. The main theme focuses on finding a perfect balance between heaven and hell, dark and light, and other dichotomies. His work heavily reflects his own religious beliefs and interpretations. -
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner-Samuel Taylor Coleridge
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a lyrical ballad written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It tells the story of wedding guest when he encounters the ancient mariner, forever cursed to retell his tale of killing the Albatross. After slaying the bird without cause, the Mariner was forced to wear the body around his neck as a symbol of his shame, all while enduring multiple trails as retribution for his sins. -
Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David
"Napoleon Crossing the Alps" by Jacques-Louis David depicts Napoleon on Margeno as this army made their way through the Alps. The work was commissioned by the King of Spain, and produced from 1801 to 1805 with oil paints on canvas. There are five different versions of the work, but it remains the most commonly reproduced work of Napoleon. -
The Giaour-Lord Byron
"The Giaour" is an extended poem by Lord Byron as a part of his Oriental romances. It was vastly successful when first published, and was influential in solidifying Byron's reputation. The work experiments with time and with memory, making it rather complicated to follow as it is not linear. It focuses on the way that certain moments impact the lives of individuals in a manner that continues to reverberate through their lives. -
Wanderer Above a Sea of Fog-Casper David Friedrich
"Wanderer Above a Sea of Fog" is an oil painting by Casper David Friedrich is an oil painting from 1818 depicting a man taken aback by nature's sublime, a common theme from artwork in the romantic period. This piece has long been revered as one of the greatest works from the Romantic period, as it accurately encapsulates the awe-inspiring status of nature. -
The Cenci-Percy Bysshe Shelley
"The Cenci" by Percy Shelley is a drama that loosely follows a real-life 1500s Italian family by the same name. The writing contains many Shakespearian elements, though it does not contain the same themes. The play is quite dark, and deals with heavy themes, such as murder and incest. -
Moonrise Over the Sea-Caspar David Friedrich
"Moonrise Over the Sea" by Caspar David Friedrich focuses on the sublime and awe-inspiring aspect of nature. Much like "Wanderer Above a Sea of Fog," Friedrich incorporates similar elements, such as individuals taken aback by the overwhelming beauty of nature while looking out upon it. This painting likely depicts the Baltic Sea, near Friedrich's birthplace. -
Liberty Leading the People-Eugène Delacroix
"Liberty Leading the People" by by Eugène Delacroix is an 1830 work depicting the events of the July 1830 uprising. The work was begun in October of the same year, and was finished sometime in December. Lady Liberty is embodied as a half-naked woman triumphant over the bodies of the fallen, and holding the flag of the revolution. -
Nocturnes, Op. 9 -Frédéric Chopin
"Nocturnes, Op. 9" by Polish composer Frédéric Chopin was composed in 1831 and 1832. It consists of a set of three Nocturnes, and was Chopin's first attempt at writing a Nocturne. His work contains themes of mystery, and is often described as having haunting qualities, which maintains the emotional aspects typical of romantic works. -
Ode to Joy-Ludwig van Beethoven
"Ode to Joy" was originally an ode written in the summer of 1785 by poet Friedrich Schiller. It was adapted in 1824 by Beethoven in the fourth movement of his ninth symphony. Although it is not fully based on Schiller's piece, it bears the same name, and contains many similar elements. Beethoven added to the work, but kept the sentiments of the original piece intact in this impactful composition. -
Hungarian Rhapsody-Franz Liszt
The Hungarian Rhapsody by Franz list is a 1847 composition that incorporates Hungarian folk themes to create a larger story of work. Although it was originally written for a solo pianist, it was later adapted to a full orchestral performance given how well received it was by audiences. Liszt is considered a great storyteller in this work, and it is easily understood by almost all listeners who encounter it. -
The Prelude-William Wordsworth
"The Prelude" by William Wordsworth, written in 1850 was originally written to Coleridge, but was not published until after Wordsworth's death, given his lifelong status as a recluse. His work explores the development of the mind of the poet. "The Prelude" fixates on the idea that nature nourishes the mind, and that man's mind is passive as it is a part of nature. -
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah-John Martin
"The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah" by John Martin portrays the Biblical tale of the two cities' demise. Featuring Lot and his family escaping, this piece of Romanticism art demonstrates the tendency to look to the past for artistic inspiration. The oil painting shows God's told punishment upon the wicked men of the land. -
Les Misérables-Victor Hugo
"Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo is a novel of the French Revolution, first published in 1862. The novel follows the story of Jean Valjean, a convict who is released from prison and seeks to live a better life, while leaving his former identity behind. Hugo explores the events of the French Revolution, as well as what drives humanity to rise above their circumstances. He explores themes of redemption, morality, and humanity. His work is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. -
The Lady of Shallot-John William Waterhouse
"The Lady of Shallot" by John William Waterhouse is a painting that reflects the ending of a poem by the same name. The style is reflective of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood. The work is filled with despair, with nature at the forefront, falling easily into the classification of Romanticism as a result. There are three versions of this work, produced in 1888. 1894, and 1915. -
The Thinker-Auguste Rodin
"The Thinker" is a bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin depicting a nude man deep in thought. Its large size helps to contribute to the feeling that the man is of significance, or is heroic, and thus, is reflective of the romantic period as it returns to the classics. The statue contains elements of ancient Greek influence, further conveying the Greek influence from the historics.