What are the main differences between the Romantic and Symbolist art movements?

The Romantic and Symbolist art movements emerged in different periods of time and had distinct characteristics, despite some similarities in their themes and aesthetics.

One of the main differences between the two movements is their historical context. Romanticism arose in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and rationality, and the Industrial Revolution's mechanization of society. Symbolism, on the other hand, developed in the late 19th century, as a response to the rise of scientific materialism and positivism, which had become the dominant philosophies of the time.

Another significant difference between Romantic and Symbolist art is their focus. Romantic artists were preoccupied with individualism, emotion, and the natural world, seeking to explore the sublime and the fantastical in their works. Symbolist artists, on the other hand, were concerned with the spiritual, the mystical, and the unconscious, and used art to express abstract ideas and emotions.

Stylistically, Romantic art tends to be more representational and realistic, with an emphasis on detail and texture, while Symbolist art often features flattened forms, bold outlines, and a more decorative approach to composition.