Major Artistic and Intellectual Movements: Enlightenment to Realism

The Enlightenment and Neoclassicism

The Enlightenment and Neoclassicism represent a major change both in ideas and artistic expression. The intellectual movement is known as the Age of Enlightenment (or Illustration), while the prevalent artistic expression is Neoclassicism. This cultural movement originated primarily in France and influenced all European countries. Its key features include:

1. Rationalism: The human being and reason are central, making it fundamentally a rationalist movement.
2. Critical Review: It involves a systematic review of all aspects of present and past reality. It is a movement critical of existing ideas, beliefs, institutions, and other aspects of society. The Enlightenment laid the foundations for subsequent revolutionary movements.
3. Love of Science: A strong affinity for science, especially practical applications.

Romanticism: Reaction Against Neoclassicism

Romanticism emerged after the fall of Napoleon as a reaction against Neoclassicism. Its defining features are:

1. Emphasis on Emotion: The focus shifts to human passion and feelings.
2. Appreciation of Imagination: High value placed on imagination.
3. Artistic Freedom: Proclamation of total freedom for the artist to create their work as they see fit.
4. Political Connection: A strong connection exists between literary Romanticism and political liberalism.
5. Fluid Genres: It broke with rigid divisions between literary genres, which became more fluid.
6. Rejection of Classical Rules: Breaking the rule of the three dramatic unities (time, place, action).
7. Individualism: An individualistic movement that places the artist's ego and creative freedom above all else.

While Romanticism was a very strong movement in France, it was less dominant in Great Britain and Germany during the same period.

Realism and Naturalism

Realism began in the mid-nineteenth century, followed closely by Naturalism. The most important genre was the realistic novel. Its characteristics include:

1. Objectivity: The author strives for objectivity when introducing characters.
2. Detailed Narrative: Extensive use of dialogue and detailed descriptions.
3. Structure: Works are typically well-structured, divided into parts and chapters.
4. Narration: Usually written in the third person.
5. Setting: Settings include urban environments (big cities) and rural areas, utilizing real space and linear time.
6. Complexity and Taboos: The author aims to provide the most complex picture possible of human beings, often addressing taboo subjects.
7. Protagonist: There is usually a main character and a central theme. The hero is often positive but presented with realistic flaws.