Romanticism was more then just an art form it was a way of life, a way of thinking, and above all a way of seeing everyday life. The Romantic era began in art around 1805. Romantic ways of art were more then just painting, sculpting, writing and thinking. This expression was digested in a person's brain more so then some of its predecessors. .
Perhaps one of the most significant achievements was the ability to convey raw uncensored emotion. One person who pioneered the Romantic era (pioneered as much as the Romantic would let him) was Francisco Goya. Goya created such masterpieces as "Family of Charles IV," "Third of May 1808," and "Great Courage! Against Corpses!". Each of these paintings conveys the emotions of Goya. "Family of Charles IV" shows the family exactly as they appeared to Goya. He did not make them look better or worse. He did however make their clothes appear to sparkle with his use of light. "Third of May 1808" shows Goya's inability to understand the inhumanity in war. In this painting the man being executed is in a Christ like position, with light being shown on him. To his left are those already executed, and to the right those whom are awaiting execution. It is thought that Goya wanted to show the senselessness of becoming a martyr. "Great Courage! Against Corpses!" is a portrayal of his beliefs of how cowardly war is. Goya used his art not only to convey his emotions but also to express his political beliefs. This especially explains "Great Courage! Against Corpses!" This is a painting that depicts the French and Spanish War. It is considered inflammatory because neither is depicted as heroic. .
Yet another founder of Romanticism is Eugene Delacroix. He too was a political painter. He used his talents to express his political beliefs. The first painting that he put forth was infact painted to catch attention from the public. "Scenes from the Massacres at Chica, 1824" was used to show his un-liking of how the Turks treated the Greeks.
