|
|
| Neo-Romanticism in English Art |
| |
|
(11 Jan 2007) |
Neo-Romanticism is a term which in English art has been applied to the working style of several notable artists working from the early 1930s through to the 1950s. In general terms these artists often viewed rural landscapes and architecture as if they were pastoral idylls. This sometimes romanticized nostalgic view was often tempered by the use of abstract elements, for example in the work of Graham Sutherland and John Piper.
The Neo-Romantics drew inspiration from a number of sources including the poetry of William Wordsworth [1770-1850] and the art of William Blake [1757-1827] and Samuel Palmer [1805-1881]. It was from the work of the latter that certain visionary possibilities of the English landscape could be appreciated.
Initially the major Neo-Romantics included Paul Nash, John Piper, Graham Sutherland, Henry Moore and Ivon Hitchens although their individual styles differed considerably. Later, in the 1940s, other artists such a John Minton, Keith Vaughan, Robert Colquhoun and Michael Ayrton were considered to be important figures in the movement.
Neo-Romanticism received considerable impetus from conditions created by the Second World War when perhaps both artists and the general public were more disposed towards a nostalgic view of the English landscape, countryside and architecture. In fact Sutherland, Moore, Nash and Piper were all appointed Official War Artists.
Paul Nash [1889-1946] is an interesting case study as a Neo-Romantic artist because, being somewhat older than the others, he had been influenced by reading a William Blake poem as early as 1908 when his stated reaction was it seemed an exhortation to open my eyes and look about me, above all, to look up, to search the skies. His work as an Official War Artist seems to have intensified Nash's sentiments towards England as he said I feel I am one with my native land. |
|
There are 2 articles on Graham Sutherland:
|
|
|
|
|
|
