The Romantic Aesthetics Through Art

Wanderer Above the Sea of Mist by Caspar David Friedrich depicts Romantic Aesthetics. One of these Roman Aesthetics shown in this painting is nature.  The waves characterizes how nature is strong in power and in fury. The waves are crashing into the rocks with such violence that it makes the painting look intense. Not only do the waves portray the power and fury but the wind blowing in the man’s hair shows this power as well. These violent waves can also tie into another aesthetic from the Romantic era called emotional intensity. When looking at the color of the painting, there is a contrast of color from the top of the painting to the bottom. The top part of the painting show a clear and bright color and the bottom show a dark and gloomy color. As the man stands on the rocks, he has a special stance. He is showing a strong firm stance that signifies the power he has. Along with his stance, the man is able to show individualism which is another Romantic Aesthetic. In many paintings during the Romantic era, the person in the painting usually was looking away which is clearly shown in this picture as well. The viewer of the painting never sees the man’s face because the person in the picture is on their own and does not need anyone else. The picture shows that it is about the man and his action away from the audience. As one can tell, Wanderer Above the Sea of Mist by Caspar David Friedrich illustrates Romantic Aesthetics. In the painting, nature, emotional intensity, and Individualism are some of the aesthetics interpreted. These Aesthetics portray what the Romantic era displayed by art.