Formalism vs. Romanticism

There are many different ways that an individual can view of judge a piece of artwork.  One way of viewing art stems from the formalism theory. This theory believes that art should be evaluated merely on visual aspects. Formalist believe that you are analyzing an artwork, should not include your emotions nor any historical or social background. is another theory that people use to judge artwork. For this theory, they believe that art should be viewed as a way that others express emotion. I personally am in favor of the romanticism theory, I believe that it is more plausible and has more depth to it than the formalism.

Explanatory breadth- Romanticism has more breadth than formalism because it explains more why an artwork is art. They recognize the emotion behind an artwork rather than just the technique like formalism.

Explanatory depth- Romanticism has more explanatory depth than formalism it defines arts purpose on a profound level. They evaluate art from a more emotional stand point rather than focusing on the abstract part of art. Through romanticism, art is able to attract more of an audience because there are different ways that each individual can interpret the meaning of a particular artwork. For example the Wander above the Sea of Fog painted by Caspar David Friedrich, some may interpret this as winning a battle or conquering a fear while others may see this as a journey just beginning.  Because emotions can vary, there isn’t any limitations to how an individual can feel or react to a piece of artwork unlike formalism where there is only one correct way to view the art. Formalist look at art through things like shapes and lines which doesn’t really give any reason to why the artist created such an artwork, it doesn’t answer why. Romanticism goes into more detail about art.

Simplicity- Formalism has fewer parts than romanticism. Formalism is straight to the point, you don’t need to evaluate emotion or try to decipher what the artist is trying to showcase. With romanticism anyone can be an artist and anything can be art. For example a person can throw paint on the floor and classify it as art because they have an emotional attachment to it, but is it really art? This is what makes romanticism so complex.

Conservatism- Romanticism is more current with our beliefs. Today in society we are very intrigued with our emotions. We like to analyze things with our feelings so when it comes to art it’s no different. We view art with emotion to truly understand the real meaning of it . Formalism isn’t consistent with our beliefs because art tends to change and unless an individual who is educated in the techniques and etc. of art are the ones viewing them from a formalist standpoint.

 1. Romanticism and formalism are the most plausible explanation of judging art.

2. Romanticism has much more explanatory depth, breadth and conservatism whereas formalism has more simplicity.

3. Therefore, Romanticism is the best explanation of judging art.