The evolution of art produces movements that are often reactions to preceding movements and Romanticism is no different. As Neo-Classicism was a reaction to the Baroque movement, Romanticism was a reaction to the Neo-Classical movement. The movement is so varied in its output, it is difficult to clearly classify it, but in short it was the victory of emotion over reason, exemplified by spontaneous expression.
Romanticism is an attitude of mind rather than a set of stylistic criteria or traits. Therefore, by this definition, the artists of the Romantic movement produced works that differed greatly from one another. However, stylistically these artists, such as Turner, Blake, and Goya painted in an energetic, and bold style using broad and colorful brush strokes. Other painters such as the great English landscape artists John Constable worked in a more reserved style, however still emotional in output. These contrasting variations in style did help to produce varying works, but the thought and emotion behind all of the Romantic works was consistent and helped to generate a generation of exciting and diverse artists.
