The Art of Romanticising Life

By Features Editor 2 years ago

Katherine discusses the history of romanticising life in art, its value today as well as its drawbacks.

It would be no exaggeration to say that for me, and probably for many others, January is my least favourite time of the year. Despite the promise of longer days, we still spend most of the month rising before the sun and watching darkness fall in the afternoon. Even on sunny days it’s bitterly cold, usually with not even a flake of snow to make the cold worth it. The only way that I’m making it through the most depressing month of the year is by following the advice of everyone on social media and ‘romanticising’ January’s more negative aspects. Lighting a candle as soon as it starts to get dark so I can feel like a Victorian writer or appreciating the beauty in the subtle hues of dawn rather than complaining about the lack of daylight. To romanticise is, by its definition, to make something seem more appealing than it really is. It is, in a sense, to see everyday life through the eyes of an artist, a writer or a poet. Not as something mundane, simply to be put up with until better things come along, but as something beautiful in its normality.

 

 

 

 

The romanticisation and idealisation of everyday life is not a new idea, but something that has been explored in art and literature for centuries. The nineteenth century, in particular, saw European artists romanticising various themes such as rural life and folk culture. For the Romantics and the Pre-Raphaelites, nature and the environment were especially important aspects of their art. As the industrial revolution transformed the cities, these artists sought an escape, looking instead to the tranquillity and beauty of nature and a sense of nostalgia for a romantic past. In the same way that people living in cities today might romanticise taking a walk in the park or growing plants on a windowsill, the Romantics saw beauty everywhere in nature. Take William Wordsworth’s Daffodils, for instance. You’d never think that a few flowers could make a man so happy, yet Wordsworth beautifully demonstrates the benefits of appreciating the little things in life – an early pioneer of the ‘romanticise your life’ trend if ever there was one.

 

Other nineteenth century artists also idealised rural life and folk culture in their works. Paul Gauguin is the artist who immediately springs to mind, a former stockbroker who left his old life to make a new one on the remote island of Tahiti. His colourful paintings idealise rural village life on the island, appealing to a sense of nostalgia and a desire held by many Europeans to return to a pre-industrial era where people and nature worked together in harmony. However, Gauguin’s romanticised works do not reflect the realities of life in Tahiti in the 1800s, where French colonialism meant that it was not the unspoilt paradise that he hoped it would be. Here lies the problem with romanticisation and idealism in art. It often obscures the harsh realities of life and presents an inaccurate portrayal of non-Western cultures to a European audience. On the other hand, the romanticisation of everyday life in art and literature also fosters an appreciation of beauty and a respect for nature and the environment.

 

 

 

 

In the context of the current climate crisis, this nineteenth century’s valuing of nature for its beauty and tranquillity is more relevant than ever. This mindset is reflected in modern day romanticisation trends that are all over social media. Lifestyle writers will tell you to romanticise your life by doing simple things such as listening to the birds before looking at your phone in the morning or walking barefoot in the grass. In all these activities there is usually an emphasis on aesthetics, on seeing the beauty in things, as well as an emphasis on connecting with nature. Just as the Romantics attempted to escape the industrial revolution, many people living in towns and cities today see the concept of ‘romanticising life’ as a way to cope with the intensity of urban living. A line of daffodils was enough to leave Wordsworth feeling peaceful and contented and there’s no reason why appreciating the beauty in nature around us couldn’t do the same today.

 

As in the art and literature of the nineteenth century, there are still some negative aspects to idealising life. Gauguin’s paintings did not reflect the realities of rural life in Tahiti and likewise the carefully edited photos and videos posted to social media are not an accurate reflection of most people’s lives. However, there is still a lot of value in trying to romanticise life, even if we should know by now not to believe everything on social media. It could help us to foster a deeper respect for nature and benefit our mental health by focusing on having a more positive outlook. To see life through the eyes of an artist is to see the beauty in the mundane, but also to realise that art is not an accurate portrayal of life. January will always stay cold and dark, but focusing on the unique beauty that this time of the year has could make it seem much less depressing.

Comments

comments

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

809 thoughts on “The Art of Romanticising Life”

  78. There are some interesting time limits on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There may be some validity however I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish more! Added to FeedBurner as nicely

    Reply

  239. Currently it seems like Drupal is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

    Reply

  411. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

    Reply

  430. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

    Reply

  443. Thank you for every other great article. The place else may just anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal manner of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the search for such information.

    Reply

  444. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say great blog!

    Reply

  445. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

    Reply

  458. Its like you learn my mind! You seem to know so much approximately this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I believe that you could do with a few to pressure the message house a bit, but other than that, that is great blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.

    Reply

  459. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!

    Reply

  460. I have been surfing online greater than three hours as of late, yet I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty price enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made just right content as you probably did, the internet will be much more helpful than ever before. “Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical.” by Lawrence Peter Berra.

    Reply

  463. Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and simply couldn’t come across. What a great web site.

    Reply

  473. Almost all of whatever you state happens to be astonishingly appropriate and it makes me ponder the reason why I hadn’t looked at this in this light previously. This piece really did turn the light on for me personally as far as this specific topic goes. However at this time there is actually one issue I am not necessarily too cozy with so whilst I make an effort to reconcile that with the actual main theme of the issue, permit me see exactly what the rest of your visitors have to say.Nicely done.

    Reply

  487. I have read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to make such a excellent informative web site.

    Reply

  492. certainly like your web-site however you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very bothersome to tell the reality then again I’ll certainly come back again.

    Reply

  504. Hey there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Exceptional blog and terrific design and style.

    Reply

  517. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. cheers

    Reply

  522. Merely wanna comment on few general things, The website pattern is perfect, the content material is rattling excellent. “To the artist there is never anything ugly in nature.” by Franois Auguste Ren Rodin.

    Reply

  526. You could certainly see your skills within the paintings you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. At all times go after your heart.

    Reply

  530. What i don’t understood is actually how you are not actually much more well-liked than you may be right now. You’re so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. Always maintain it up!

    Reply

  539. I cling on to listening to the reports lecture about getting boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i acquire some?

    Reply

  542. I simply needed to thank you very much all over again. I’m not certain what I could possibly have carried out without the entire smart ideas shown by you directly on that subject. It had become a real terrifying condition for me personally, nevertheless witnessing a new expert form you treated that forced me to cry for delight. I’m just grateful for this advice and even wish you find out what a powerful job your are carrying out training many others using your site. Most probably you haven’t met any of us.

    Reply

  543. I like the helpful information you supply to your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and test again right here frequently. I am slightly sure I will be told a lot of new stuff right right here! Best of luck for the next!

    Reply

  544. In a direct inguinal hernia, the sac protrudes through the abdominal wall within Hesselbach’s triangle, a region bounded by the rectus abdominis muscle, inguinal ligament, and inferior epigastric vessels.
    the cheapest pricesBigger companies offer free shipping when you prednisone during pregnancy pills at the lowest prices ever
    Oligodendrogliomas usually occur in younger and middle-aged adults.

    Reply

  545. Even in a normal year, without an epidemic, it is estimated that over 3,000 people die from the flu.
    to get what you needOnline comparison shopping allows you to glucophage imodium from trusted pharmacies at the lowest prices ever
    From dowdy old dear to glamourpuss, how the queen of Bake Off has undergone TV’s most miraculous makeover adverts.

    Reply

  546. While its peak incidence is during the second and third decades of life, it is a disease that occurs across the entire age spectrum.
    Compare the price of ampicillin resistance vectors for quick resolutions on erection problems.
    Major symptoms and opportunistic diseases begin to appear as the immune system continues to deteriorate.

    Reply

  547. Wellbeing Improving your everyday life Mental fitness Relaxation, Confidence, Coping, Strengths, Self-talk and self-awareness, View all…
    Talk to your doctor when you are ready to side effect of lyrica is the biggest trend .
    By the end of 2012, 45 countries had introduced HPV vaccination.

    Reply

  550. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your web site in internet explorer, would test this… IE still is the market leader and a big portion of people will miss your fantastic writing due to this problem.

    Reply

  554. Hello are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any html coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply

  555. Merely a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding design and style. “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler.” by Albert Einstein.

    Reply

  556. I used to be more than happy to seek out this web-site.I wanted to thanks to your time for this wonderful learn!! I positively having fun with every little little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.

    Reply

  571. Fitspresso is a brand-new natural weight loss aid designed to work on the root cause of excess and unexplained weight gain. The supplement uses an advanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy weight loss by targeting the fat cells’ circadian rhythm.

    Reply

  588. Here are some easy lifestyle changes that can go a long way in preventing appendicitis:Eating: Of course eating is important but equally important is when your teen eats!
    Some offers are available on the Internet with a low what is keflex used for products online? Will it be real or generic?
    A cool shower or bath is a more effective way to cool off.

    Reply

  589. Radiation exposure such as radiation therapy for cancer or significant exposure to x-rays before age 30 increases risk.
    of real pharmaciesWith offers from online pharmacies you can side effects of neurontin at cheap prices if you purchase this great treatment online
    Aug 04, 2015 Vitamin D is a must, experts urge individuals 2.

    Reply

  597. Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “High living and high thinking are poles apart.” by B. J. Gupta.

    Reply

  602. Whats up very nice blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds alsoKI’m glad to find so many helpful info right here in the publish, we want work out extra techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

    Reply

  611. Fitspresso is a brand-new natural weight loss aid designed to work on the root cause of excess and unexplained weight gain. The supplement uses an advanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy weight loss by targeting the fat cells’ circadian rhythm

    Reply

  612. Fitspresso is a brand-new natural weight loss aid designed to work on the root cause of excess and unexplained weight gain. The supplement uses an advanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy weight loss by targeting the fat cells’ circadian rhythm

    Reply

  616. This array of illnesses can severely impair a person’s ability to manage emotions, interact with others, and think clearly.
    Many sites offer a good price of ivermectin where to buy by taking advantage of discounts
    But does it really do you any harm to at least explore this new and exciting possibility?

    Reply

  619. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it usually first develops in childhood or adolescence.
    The sites offer information about the drug and price of amoxicillin clav at reduced prices
    A urine infection is often called a urinary tract infection UTI by doctors.

    Reply

  629. Daoud AA, Abdel-Ghaffar AE, Deyab FA, Essa TM.
    to cut rates A single chart has the lowest prices for the usual ivermectin 3mg pills when you buy here
    A continued pregnancy may result from the causes described in the previous section or from an unsuspected uterine anomaly.

    Reply

  635. Uncommonly, when infection results from an abnormal connection between the bladder and the intestine or the vagina fistula , air can be passed in the urine pneumaturia.
    When you need regular medication buy ivermectin stromectol less respected than men who don’t use it?
    ChrisWe do not often pay much attention to the complexity of human blood but it is a lot more than just red fluid flowing through the blood vessels.

    Reply

  638. The rest of his laboratory studies are noncontributory and his PVR urine was 25 cc.
    Always follow proper dosage instructions when you pharmacy rx one legit at cheap prices
    This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: Logo links to further information Department of Health logo Last reviewed: March 2015 Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only.

    Reply

  646. She looked exactly like my dog, Prickette, who now is in her second year with the symptoms of dementia described in your links.
    No matter where you live, sites deliver a good price of rx on line pharmacy to start feeling better
    The incubation period is usually 3-7 days and symptoms can include sudden fever, joint pain with or without swelling, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, lower back pain and a rash.

    Reply

  647. Individuals with congenital pernicious anemia present with symptoms very similar to the juvenile form.
    you happen to be searching for a successful remedy, you should seroquel pharmacy coupons . Order now!
    The 180-day filing deadline is extended to 300 days if a state or local anti-discrimination agency has the authority to grant or seek relief as to the challenged unlawful employment practice.

    Reply

  648. Coping with diabetes at work has similarities to coping with it at home.
    Valuable treatment is available when you king soopers pharmacy and convenience is what you get when you shop online for drugs.
    It is also important to note that pregnancy and high blood pressure may aggravate diabetic retinopathy.

    Reply

  656. Symptoms Sliding hiatal hernias may not cause any symptoms, or they may cause heartburn that is worse when you lean forward, strain or lie down.
    Who would mind buying online to get a good price of rasa research tadalafil reviews at decreased prices
    Use this Symptom Checker to pinpoint possible causes of your medical symptoms.

    Reply

  663. There are some attention-grabbing cut-off dates in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I’ll take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely

    Reply

  667. This national patient advocacy organization is dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer.
    Forget about waiting at the store for sildenafil 30 mg ? Find out the truth right here.
    For example, some children have a single tumor, while other children have multifocal disease more than one tumor in the liver.

    Reply

  677. These salts precipitate most commonly when they occur in high concentrations in the urine.
    doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s safe to buy A great way to benefits of tadalafil delivered when you order from this siteProtect yourself and
    Zanamivir can irritate the lungs and cause wheezing in people who have asthma.

    Reply

  686. Subjects were adults and children.
    Customer service from reputable pharmacies when you vardenafil review by taking advantage of discounts
    Add an oral decongestant such as pseudoephedrine and a cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan if the antihistamine-NSAIDs treatment does not control nasal obstruction and cough.

    Reply

  690. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 94 7 : 3122—7.
    It is important to compare prices, weigh savings, and then tadalafil alcohol from leading pharmacies
    In all cases, those who were worried about the masts were concerned about health consequences.

    Reply

  760. Most of whatever you articulate is supprisingly appropriate and that makes me wonder why I hadn’t looked at this with this light previously. Your article really did turn the light on for me personally as far as this topic goes. Nevertheless there is 1 point I am not really too cozy with so whilst I try to reconcile that with the actual central idea of your position, permit me see exactly what all the rest of the readers have to say.Nicely done.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND