The Idea of Romanticism

In 1800, the introspective German poet Novalis created one of Romanticism's most potent symbols, the blaue Blume, the elusive 'blue flower' that has symbolized Romantic yearning ever since.

The 18th century in Europe was supposedly the 'Age of Reason'. But its failures - its wars, its oppressive regimes, its disappointment with itself - suggested the idea that reason alone was not enough. Intuition was at least its equal. Feelings were as good as thought and nature still had lessons to teach civilization. One factor underlying this new perception was closer contact between Europe and previously unknown worlds and cultures.