What did the pious Protestant Friedrich, whose sister and father died shortly before work on the picture began, see in the motif? The same as many of us today? A person, at the mercy of the forces of nature, between hope and the abyss? In Friedrich’s quiet pictures, everyone sees and sees something different at any time. One thing is certain: this work had absolutely nothing to do with landscape painting of the 19th century. It is peculiar and unique – and perhaps the anticipated Big Bang of modernity.
Nature as a central motif in the pictures of Caspar David Friedrich
But his other works are not images either, but something like collages in oil: he has reassembled the pieces of reality – trees, hills, rocks, clouds, which he drew in his sketchbook on his nature hikes – on the canvas – in a different perspective and arrangement, in a special light. His thought was: “The painter should not only paint what he sees in front of him, but also what he sees within himself.” When people appear, we see them from the back. Art connoisseur Florian Illies writes in his biographical bestseller “The Magic of Silence,” published in 2023, that Friedrich, the master of observing nature and its emotional internalization, simply could not paint figures and faces. Maybe Friedrich just wanted us, the viewer, to look together with his figures into the picture and the world he created and to adopt their perspective.
The long path to becoming the most important artist of German Romanticism
The search for spiritual experience of nature and the loneliness of the individual were major themes for Friedrich. “The Monk by the Sea”, his “Chalk Cliffs on Rügen”, the “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” or the destructive, frosty, rugged “Sea of Ice” – all of these works are now icons of early Romanticism and are part of the collective memory of German art history. That wasn’t always the case. Friedrich, who was born in Greifswald on the Baltic Sea in 1774 and died in Dresden in 1840, was successful during his lifetime – the Prussian king even bought the “Monk by the Sea” for his son.
But just a decade later, the often melancholic, dark, mysterious motifs and the mystification of nature no longer corresponded to the taste of the time. The poet Goethe, who was admired by Friedrich, even blasphemed his paintings quite rudely. Even before his death, Frederick was forgotten by the world. Many of his pictures – including the “Wanderer” and the “Chalk Cliffs” – remained unseen and even lost for a long time.
Celebrating the 250th Birthday of German Romanticism
The year 2024 marks a significant milestone: the 250th anniversary of the birth of German Romanticism. This cultural and intellectual movement emerged in the late 18th century, transforming art, literature, philosophy, and music in profound ways. Rooted in the ideals of individualism, emotion, and a reverence for nature, German Romanticism remains an enduring influence on global culture.
The Birth of German Romanticism
German Romanticism was born as a reaction against the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and rationality. It began in the 1770s and gained momentum in the early 19th century. Thinkers and artists sought to explore human emotion, imagination, and the mysteries of life.
The movement’s origins are closely tied to Jena, a city that became a hub for Romantic thinkers like Friedrich Schiller, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and the Schlegel brothers. Their works emphasized the sublime beauty of nature, the power of dreams, and the importance of individual creativity.
Key Figures of German Romanticism
1. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832)
- Contribution: Goethe’s works, particularly The Sorrows of Young Werther and Faust, encapsulate the Romantic ideal of exploring human passion and striving for the infinite.
- Legacy: His fusion of personal emotion and universal themes made him a cornerstone of the Romantic movement.
2. Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805)
- Contribution: Schiller’s dramas, including The Robbers and William Tell, combined Romantic ideals with political and philosophical themes.
- Legacy: He celebrated human freedom and the interplay of morality and art.
3. Novalis (Friedrich von Hardenberg, 1772–1801)
- Contribution: Known for Hymns to the Night, Novalis epitomized the Romantic fascination with mysticism and the spiritual connection between humans and the cosmos.
- Legacy: His poetic vision made him a symbol of early Romanticism.
4. Caspar David Friedrich (1774–1840)
- Contribution: As a painter, Friedrich’s landscapes, like Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog, conveyed the Romantic ideals of solitude, awe, and the sublime in nature.
- Legacy: He captured the emotional depth and spiritual resonance of the natural world.
Themes of German Romanticism
1. Nature as a Reflection of the Soul
Romanticism viewed nature as more than a backdrop; it was a living entity that mirrored human emotions. Forests, mountains, and seas became symbols of mystery, freedom, and transcendence.
2. Individualism and Creativity
Romantics celebrated the unique genius of individuals and the boundless potential of human imagination. This marked a shift from collective ideals to personal expression.
3. The Supernatural and Mystical
Exploration of the unknown was central to Romantic thought. Tales of ghosts, dreams, and otherworldly encounters reflected a longing to transcend mundane reality.
4. The Power of Emotion
Romantics placed feelings above reason, emphasizing passion, love, and melancholy as pathways to understanding life’s deeper truths.
German Romanticism in Music
Romanticism profoundly influenced German composers, who created works that resonated with its ideals.
- Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827): Often considered a bridge between Classical and Romantic music, Beethoven’s symphonies, particularly the 9th Symphony, expressed grand humanistic themes.
- Franz Schubert (1797–1828): Schubert’s Lieder (art songs) brought poetry to life, merging music and emotion.
- Richard Wagner (1813–1883): Wagner’s operas, such as The Ring Cycle, embodied the Romantic fascination with myth and the sublime.
Legacy of German Romanticism
German Romanticism remains a defining chapter in European cultural history. Its ideals continue to inspire literature, art, and philosophy worldwide. The movement’s emphasis on emotional depth, individual expression, and the beauty of nature resonates deeply in today’s search for meaning in a fast-paced, modern world.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of this transformative movement, Germany is hosting events and exhibitions that reflect the enduring spirit of Romanticism. From art galleries to concerts, the legacy of Romantic thinkers and creators is alive and thriving, inviting us all to embrace their timeless vision of humanity and the universe.
