"It is the addition of strangeness to beauty that constitutes the romantic character in art"

Walter Hagen's quote, "It is the addition of strangeness to beauty that constitutes the romantic character in art", highlights a crucial element of romantic art and its distinctive appeal. At its core, this statement suggests that beauty alone is insufficient to stimulate the deep psychological experiences related to romantic works. Rather, it is the juxtaposition of beauty with aspects of strangeness-- those that defy convention, provoke interest, or evoke the unforeseen-- that imbues art with a romantic quality.

In romantic art, appeal is frequently represented through aesthetically pleasing forms, unified proportions, or emotionally resonant themes. Nevertheless, when integrated with strangeness-- unusual viewpoints, novel structures, or mystical narratives-- the artwork transcends mere visual appeal and enters the world of the amazing. Strangeness acts as a driver that sparks the creativity, creating a more appealing and unforgettable experience for the audience. This interplay between the familiar and the unfamiliar can challenge perceptions, evoke contemplation, and stir deep emotional actions.

Romanticism as a creative movement became a reaction versus the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the stringent norms of neoclassicism. Artists looked for to explore the complexity of human emotions and the superb elements of nature, typically integrating components of the strange, the unique, and the fantastical. This focus on strangeness was main to revealing the ineffable qualities of human experience, evoking wonder and wonder.

Hagen's insight underscores the concept that real beauty in art isn't almost pleasing visual appeals but involves a disturbance of the ordinary. It is through the interaction of beauty and strangeness that art can accomplish its complete capacity, using new perspectives and evoking a profound sense of wonder. By embracing the enigmatic alongside the lovely, artists can craft works that linger in our minds, inviting ongoing reflection and psychological engagement.