What is Romantic Realism
Romantic Realism is art that combines elements of both romanticism and realism. It is the movement which renews the high esthetic standards and techniques of pre-20th century ateliers, and brings a rebirth of comprehensibility, beauty, romanticism and stylization to contemporary subject matter.
His Blue Shirt by Danielle Richard at Quent Cordair Fine Art
What are the essential characteristics of Romantic Realism? As the name would suggest, Romantic Realism is a particular derivative of the school of Romanticism in classic aesthetics. According to Ayn Rand, Romanticism is, “A category of art based on the recognition of the principle that man possesses the faculty of reason.”
It may seem peculiar to invite volition, or the concept of choice, into the field of art, but the reason for that inclusion becomes clear given Ayn Rand’s Romantic Realism definition of art: “a selective recreation of reality according to an artist’s metaphysical value judgements.”
Daybreak by Dellorco at Quent Cordair Fine Art
This is in direct contrast to the school of Naturalism, which submits that art is a faithful representation of reality as it exists. Naturalism seeks to showcase the world as it occurs or has occurred in the past in an effort to reveal some particular truth about our world, and Romanticism seeks to showcase the world as it should be. This is the reason for the importance of volition: it is the prerogative of each artist to determine what the world should look like, and how to portray it. This is the essence of Romanticism: not beholden to strictly re-creating reality, the artist instead is tasked with offering the audience his or her stylized view of reality.
In 1996, artist and author Quent Cordair, founded Quent Cordair Fine Art, a place for Romantic Realist artists to be represented amongst other artists whose work embodies the spirit of Romantic Realism. A website and a small physical gallery were just the beginning of what has become a sanctuary for hungry eyes seeking beauty that reflects their own values.
A single visit to the gallery has been known to evoke an emotional response that can be life changing. As one gallery guest recently gushed in a five-star review:
“The greatest art gallery in the world! Love it! Inspirational!”
Scott McCord
Wherever you find the art you love and want to see every day, purchase it if you can, or visit it often . Quent Cordair Fine Art represents 32 award-winning artist online and in two physical galleries in Jackson, WY, and Napa, CA.
References:
Ayn Rand “What Is Romanticism?” The Romantic Manifesto, pg. 99
Rand, Ayn. “Art and Cognition” The Romantic Manifesto, pg. 45
Excerpts from Plot and Theme, Derek Jacobs