Romanticism and Renaixença: Cultural Movements in Europe
Romanticism and the Renaixença
Romanticism was a cultural movement that started in Germany and England at the end of the eighteenth century and extended to other European countries during the nineteenth century. This movement appeared in an era marked by profound transformations. The ideals of the French Revolution and the effects of the Industrial Revolution changed the political, economic, social, and spiritual landscape in some countries in Europe. This movement caused a profound shift in the way of understanding the world, and more specifically, art.
Romantic Sensibility
Throughout history, there have been alternating movements of classical edge and innovative moves. In general, classicist movements argue that there are models of classic beauty that any artist has to follow or imitate. The innovative movements instead advocate breaking established rules and searching for new avenues in all artistic manifestations. Romanticism is an innovative movement that bases its aesthetic on the exaltation of individual sensibility.
The Renaixença
In the nineteenth century, the recovery of Catalan as the language of culture and literary culture began. This recovery was articulated in a historical and cultural movement known as the Renaixença (Rebirth). Its origins must be sought in the profound social and economic transformation caused by industrialization in Catalonia and the influence of Romanticism, which recovered proper language and history, discovering popular culture and national feelings.
The Agenda of the Renaixença
The most important objectives of the cultural program of the Renaixença were:
- To promote literary activity.
- Creating a proper literature.
- Promoting knowledge of proper history.
- Creating Catalanist institutions.
Three Emblematic Moments
- Year 1833: Publication of La Pàtria (The Nation).
- Year 1859: Establishing the Floral Games (Jocs Florals).
- Year 1877: Publication of L’Atlàntida by Jacint Verdaguer.
Jacint Verdaguer
Jacint Verdaguer was born in Folgueroles in 1845. The son of a peasant family, he entered the seminary in Vic at ten years old, where he acquired a solid background in humanities, philosophy, and theology. Soon he began to write, and at twenty years old, he won two awards at the Floral Games in Barcelona. At age 40, he suffered a severe spiritual crisis and turned to spiritual practice, doing exorcisms and charitable works to the extent of acquiring significant debt. He died of tuberculosis in Vallvidrera in 1902. The funeral of Father Cinto, as he was known to the people, was an impressive demonstration of popular grief.
The Great Poet of the Renaixença
Verdaguer was the great poet of the Renaixença and creator of the modern literary language. From a young age, he loved to collect and transcribe folk tales and legends that he heard people telling, and later he read classical works of literature. He was able to create a very distinctive style that masterfully combined folk elements and cult elements. In this way, he soon gained recognition from both ordinary people and intellectual circles. He found the romantic sensitivity adequate to express his idealist, passionate, and rebellious moods. For that, Verdaguer is considered the great romantic figure of Catalan literature.
Epic Poetry
Verdaguer created two of the most important epic poems in Catalan literature: L’Atlàntida and Canigó. These works narrate the deeds of heroes who face extraordinary phenomena. L’Atlàntida tells of the sinking of a legendary continent into the Atlantic Ocean. Canigó explains the origin of the mythical and legendary Pyrenees.
The Lyric
Verdaguer, being a priest, led a mystical and charitable life. On the other hand, the esteem he felt toward his country led him to praise and popular interest in their land, particularly in Catalonia. Thus, his work had a religious and patriotic character. Featured books include: Idil·lis i cançons místiques (Idylls and Mystical Songs), Flors del Calvari (Flowers of Calvary), and Pàtria (Homeland).
Legends and Tales
Throughout his works, Verdaguer revealed a great interest in the legends and history of Catalonia. After listening to tales and legends of the Catalan people, he renewed this genre by creating new versions.