Romanticism to Realism in German Art

The transition from Romanticism to Realism in German art during the 19th century was a profound and intricate evolution, shaped by a confluence of societal changes, artistic movements, and a profound quest for authenticity. This transformation was not merely a shift in artistic styles but a reflection of the tumultuous times in which it occurred. The impact of the Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in society, influencing the way artists depicted the world around them. Additionally, the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars left a lasting impression on the German psyche, fueling a desire for a unified national identity. Against this backdrop, artists grappled with how to capture the essence of their changing world. This essay will explore how these historical forces, alongside the evolution of artistic styles, played a crucial role in the transition from the emotional intensity of Romanticism to the stark realities of Realism in German art.

Caspar David Friedrich (5 September 1774 – 7 May 1840), a prominent figure in German Romanticism, hailed from northern Germany on the Baltic coast. His art was deeply influenced by a traumatic event in his life when his younger brother drowned in a frozen lake. This experience with nature shaped his emotional connection to the natural world.

During the Romantic period, German artists and writers celebrated their cultural heritage, folklore, and historical roots. Romanticism itself emphasized emotional intensity, individualism, and a profound connection to nature. Artists like Friedrich and writers such as E.T.A. Hoffmann contributed to this movement, creating works that reflected these ideals.

The concept of a collective German identity was intricately linked with notions of heroism, medieval legends, and a deep longing for a unified nation. Friedrich's works often evoke a sense of the sublime, portraying landscapes imbued with spiritual and emotional significance.

Nina Amstutz looked at how Friedrich’s work began to evolve over time from the more mythical and idealized landscapes characteristics of romanticism towards a greater emphasis on realism and the accurate description of nature. This transition can be seen as a part of the greater movement in German art from the abstract and emotional towards the observational and concrete. Friedrich’s symbolic use of nature could provide insights into how his mind mirrored and contributed to the broader cultural and political discourse on German unification (Amstuz, 2014, 5).

Wilhelm von Kobell (6 April 1766 – 15 July 1853), with his dedication to realism, played a significant role in the transition from Romanticism to Realism in German art. Known for his ability to capture dynamic scenes, Kobell focused on everyday subjects, battle depictions, and equestrian themes, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.

Realism, in contrast to the emotional intensity of Romanticism, offered a more pragmatic view of nationhood. It emphasized the diverse experiences of different regions and social strata within Germany. Artists like Kobell, through their realistic portrayals, contributed to this broader understanding of the nation.

The mid-19th century marked a period of efforts toward German unification. Realist artists and writers actively participated in shaping this burgeoning national consciousness. The desire for a unified Germany spurred discussions on shared history, language, and cultural identity (Nedd 2023).

The Napoleonic Wars and their aftermath had a profound impact on Germany, influencing artists like von Kobell. His military scenes, in particular, could be interpreted as a response to these events, showcasing both the heroism and the brutality of war. Kobell's work reflects the complex feelings of nationalism, pride, and trauma associated with these wars. (Muthesius 2014)

Adolph Menzel (8 December 1815 – 9 February 1905), was a leading figure of German Realism and one of the most celebrated artists of the 19th century. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and technical skill, Menzel excelled in drawings, etchings, and paintings. His works often depicted scenes from everyday life, capturing the hustle and bustle of 19th-century Berlin. Menzel's art was characterized by its sharp realism and ability to convey the complexities of modern urban life. He portrayed the world with an unromanticized eye, offering a candid look at the social, political, and cultural realities of his time.

Artists of this period focused on portraying the lives, appearances, and problems of the middle and lower classes. They depicted the ordinary and unadorned aspects of contemporary life, highlighting the struggles and realities of everyday people.

Locations such as Berlin became hubs of this evolving artistic movement. Artists gathered to explore the themes of everyday life, social issues, and the human condition. Through their works, they sought to convey a sense of authenticity and truthfulness, departing from the idealized landscapes of Romanticism.

The aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars left a lingering sense of disillusionment across Germany. The grand ideals of Romanticism began to be questioned, as people turned towards the tangible and the real. This shift in sentiment gave rise to the movement of Realism, which emerged as a direct response to the exaggerated emotions and fantastical themes of the Romantic era.

Realism marked a departure from the infinite and heroic narratives of Romanticism, focusing instead on the commonplace and the workaday. Artists sought to depict the everyday realities of life, portraying ordinary people and scenes with an unflinching gaze. One notable figure in this movement was Adolph Menzel, a German Realist artist celebrated for his drawings, etchings, and paintings (Busch 2017).

German realism, often referred to as Bourgeois Realism or Poetic Realism, came into prominence around 1840. This artistic movement was closely intertwined with the Biedermeier movement, which emphasized the appreciation of real things, domestic tranquility, and societal values. Artists like Menzel contributed to this shift by portraying the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the middle and lower classes, offering a more down-to-earth and authentic representation of German society. Menzel's work vividly captures the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in Germany, illustrating the profound transformations in society, work, and technology in Berlin (Wood 1999, 2).

The transition from Romanticism to Realism in 19th century German art was a multifaceted process influenced by societal changes, historical events, and evolving artistic styles. Artists like Caspar David Friedrich and Wilhelm von Kobell played pivotal roles in this shift, from the emotional intensity of Romanticism to the pragmatic portrayal of everyday life in Realism.

As Germany moved towards unification, art became a powerful tool for exploring and defining national identity. Realist artists captured the diversity of experiences within the nation, reflecting the shared history and struggles of its people. Through movements like Bourgeois Realism, German artists found a voice to depict the realities of society, paving the way for a new era of artistic expression.

Bibliography:

Amstutz, Nina. “Caspar David Friedrich and the Anatomy of Nature: Art History.” Art History 37, no. 3 (June 2014): 454–81. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8365.12083.

Busch, Werner. Adolph Menzel: The Quest for Reality. Getty Publications, 2017.

“Caspar David Friedrich | Romanticism, Landscapes, Symbolism | Britannica.” Accessed March 3, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Caspar-David-Friedrich.

Lessing, Waldemar. Wilhelm von Kobell. F. Bruckmann, 1923.

Muthesius, Stefan. “Meaningful, Entertaining, Popular and ‘Bavarian’: Art into Design in Nineteenth Century Munich.” Journal of Art Historiography, 2014. https://www.proquest.com/iba/docview/1638900235/citation/114EDCE513064805PQ/2.

“The Expansion of Europe.” United States Military Academy, September 1805. https://www.westpoint.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/digital-history-center/atlases/napoleonic-was

Wood, Paul. The Challenge of the Avant-Garde. Yale University Press, 1999.