Neoromanticism

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

Neoromanticism refers to a revival or new application of romantic principles in art and literature. This movement emphasizes emotion, fantasy, and imaginative expression, often reacting against intellectualism and realism.1234

Key aspects include:
* Focus on Emotion and Fantasy: A return to valuing feelings and imagination over strict logic or objective depiction.3
* Literary Revival: Seen in the 1890s, particularly in Danish poetry, with poets like Johannes Jørgensen and Sophus Claussen.3
* Artistic Allegiance: Writers and artists may show allegiance to earlier romantic figures like Wordsworth or Coleridge, or exemplify romantic modes of thought.2

Neoromanticism can be seen as a reaction against the perceived banality and materialism of the late 19th century, seeking a more profound emotional and imaginative experience.4

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Danish literature
Neoromantic revival
In the 1890s a Neoromantic poetic revival occurred, reinstating the value of emotion and fantasy. The leader of these Symbolist poets was Johannes Jørgensen, whose finest works show a simplicity of style and intensity of feeling. (He later abandoned Symbolism for Roman Catholicism…
Read More
In the 1890s a Neoromantic poetic revival occurred, reinstating the value of emotion and fantasy. The leader of these Symbolist poets was Johannes Jørgensen, whose finest works show a simplicity of style and intensity of feeling. (He later abandoned Symbolism for Roman Catholicism…
Read More

history of Europe
Naturalism
…light, justifies the name of Neoromanticism that has been given to the cultural temper with which the 19th century ended. After the glum self-repression of the middle period, it was an outburst of vehement self-assertion, whether directed inward or outward. “Art for art’s sake” and Naturalism are indeed but twin…
Read More
…light, justifies the name of Neoromanticism that has been given to the cultural temper with which the 19th century ended. After the glum self-repression of the middle period, it was an outburst of vehement self-assertion, whether directed inward or outward. “Art for art’s sake” and Naturalism are indeed but twin…
Read More

Postromantic music
Postromanticism overlaps Neoromanticism, although the former term is more often applied to compositions showing important links in style and approach between Romanticism and early 20th-century modernism.
Read More
Postromanticism overlaps Neoromanticism, although the former term is more often applied to compositions showing important links in style and approach between Romanticism and early 20th-century modernism.
Read More