What was a key characteristic of the movement known as Romanticism?

The movement known as Romanticism was fundamentally characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism. This artistic and intellectual movement emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the Enlightenment's prioritization of reason and the scientific approach to understanding the world.

Romantics celebrated the emotional experience as a powerful force driving human experience, valuing personal feelings, intuition, and the imagination. Instead of conforming to established norms and traditions, they often expressed a desire for personal freedom and the exploration of individuality. This focus on subjective experience distinguished Romanticism from previous artistic movements that prioritized rationality and order, such as Neoclassicism.

Through literature, art, and music, Romantic artists conveyed deep emotional expressions and often drew inspiration from nature, the past, and the mystical aspects of human experience. This movement sought to elevate the importance of personal identity and passion, making it a significant cultural shift in the understanding of the human condition during this period.