Formalism Vs. Romanticism

Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. There are a variety of standards used to judge artworks. But today we are focused on the main two, formalism and romanticism. Romanticism is the more plausible view because it states that art isn’t limited to rational elements but also expresses non-rational emotions, and does so in order to make us aware of a mysterious transcendent reality. Formalism is the view that the purpose of art is to present formal beauty in a figurative or abstract manner and evoke a disinterested relation to the work that gives us rational insight.

            Explanatory Breadth: Romanticism has more explanatory breadth because it explains art in a deeper form than formalism does. When looking at a work of art most people interpret it with emotion. They explain how the art makes them feel. Rather than just looking at the work of art and having no emotion towards the work of art.

            Explanatory Depth: Romanticism has more explanatory depth because there’s more emotion when it comes to romanticism. Romanticism really explains the work of art in a greater depth than formalism. Giving romanticism more significance and more explanatory depth than formalism.

            Simplicity: Formalism has more simplicity than romanticism because it doesn’t have to explain much. There isn’t a lot going on with formalism, there’s no emotion and they interpret works of art in a more rational way.

            Conservatism: Romanticism is more consistent with our current, common sense beliefs than formalism. Romanticism is more realistic because it explains how people interpret artwork with emotion and feelings and not just in a rational way.

1. Formalism and Romanticism are the most plausible explanations for the theories of art.

2. Romanticism has more explanatory breadth, explanatory depth, and conservatism, whereas, Formalism has more Simplicity.

3. Therefore, Romanticism is the best explanation of the theory of art.