Romanticism
Germany and Eastern Europe, to a lesser degree affected by the influence of Renaissance and Baroque eras, gave a second birth to Medieval “romance” in a narrower sense which then evolved into a style called Romanticism. It had much in common with Renaissance, for it also praised human nature, human possibilities and individual ego.
American Romanticism possessed many of the same characteristics as European Romanticism but had several uniquely American aspects: the opportunity for expansion, growth and freedom, new perspectives and search for new spiritual roots.
Romanticism was an artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the late XVIII century and stressed strong emotion, imagination, freedom from classical correctness in art forms, and rebellion against social conventions. Among its attitudes were a deepened appreciation of the beauties of nature; a general exaltation of emotion over reason and of the senses over intellect; a turning in upon the self and a heightened examination of human personality; a consuming interest in folk culture, national and ethnic cultural origins, and the medieval era; and a predilection for the exotic, the remote, the mysterious, the weird, the occult, the monstrous, the diseased, and even the satanic.
Romanticism in architecture is perhaps best defined as "Not necessarily wanting something new, just different." Although Romanticism and Classicism are generally perceived as opposites, romantic architecture may be classical, modern, or an eclectic mix of several styles. Its main characteristics are rounded arches, lighter stone trims around windows and doors, steep roof gables, often terra-xcotta brickwork, balustrades and parapets, pilllars supporting porches and still the high chimneys as in the Elizabethan style.
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