Romanticism in France emerged after the French Revolution of 1789, against a backdrop of political and social upheaval.
The people had decapitated their monarch (Louis XVI) and had to reconstitute a society but no longer an absolute monarch headed the country by a king: the beginning of the constitution.
This artistic and literary movement developed in the early 19th century, particularly during the Restoration (1815-1830), when the monarchy was re-established after the fall of Napoleon.
This was a time of disillusionment, when people sought new values and a return to certain traditions. Young artists and writers rejected the classical and trational ideals of the previous century, and sought to express deep emotions, a quest for freedom and a return to nature: Building the future by listening to ourselves while looking at nature around and behind us.
Keywords of Romanticism :
- Emotions take more space.
- Passion
- Melancholy
- Harmony with nature.
Example of paintings of two different movement. The Classicism is the period before the Romanticism.
We can see, that the Classicism painting, looks like a scene of the everyday life with sharp lighting : Contrast
The other painting looks more soft, and the scene is not conventional : model are posing to make a new picture : creation of static image. The painting looks like a dream.
With the death of Napoleon I in 1821, the neo-classical style was gradually abandoned in favor of a more sophisticated, Romantic-inspired fashion. Before that, the dress was snatch under the breast, like a belt. Then, the corset reappeared, sculpting the female silhouette and accentuating the slim waistline.
Skirts took on a conical shape, gaining in volume, while puffed sleeves were amplified by cardboard linings. This new style reflects a desire to showcase the female body, at a time when elegance and delicacy were paramount.
During the reign of Charles X (1825-1830), skirts were shortened to the ankle, while retaining their imposing volume. Hats took on big proportions, decorated with feathers and ribbons. Hairstyles were sophisticated, notably the famous Apollo chignon, held in place by a large Spanish-style comb. Romanticism had a profound influence with theatrical aesthetic and the idealization of the femininity.
In the 1830s, under Louis-Philippe (1830-1848), women's fashion changed little at the beginning of the decade. The shoulders are exposed by a bateau neckline, sometimes covered by an embroidered muslin canezou. Gigot sleeves, very puffy at the elbow, are slimmer on the forearm.
In 1845, Crinoline was created and then, skirts takes on even more volume and now covers the shoes (Again). Hairstyles became more sober: the Apollo knot was replaced by a braided chignon, and flat headbands covered the ears. Imposing hats disappeared in favor of small bibis, foreshadowing the capote of the following decades. Women adopted a more austere dress, characterized by a narrow, busty bust, a plain dark dress and a shawl-pilgrimet enveloping the silhouette. In the evening, on the other hand, they adorn themselves with a large décolleté, ruffles and lace, accentuating the fragility and mystery of their appearance
The fabrics we choose in 1820-1850 are both natural and light : give fluidity and lightness to the garments.
Cotton : Breathability.
Silk :Luxury
Linen : Natural look.
Muslin : light and dreamy perfect for draping.
Lace and broderie anglaise are indispensable for injecting a touch of femininity every piece.