European Romanticism in the visual arts has always been defined by transnational transfer processes. While the investigation of international aspects of Romanticism is well established in literary studies, this approach is absent from art historical research. Picturing the Romantic seeks to fill this gap, offering fresh insights into the multifaceted world of European Romanticism(s) in the visual arts by reevaluating its traditional canon, geographical boundaries, and terminology. This volume comprises fifteen original essays by established and emerging scholars. Together, they interrogate whether there are multiple, distinct Romanticisms or a singular, pan-European Romanticism. By adopting a transnational lens, the contributors illuminate the rich interconnections between Romantic art across different countries, challenging conventional definitions and narratives. They position Europe as a complex geopolitical subject, taking into account inner European peripheries and envisioning Romanticism as a phenomenon that transcends beyond Europe. Each essay presents a diverse array of Romantic prints, drawings and paintings and provides novel interpretations within various international contexts.

The book questions the traditional confines of art history, suggesting that Romantic art cannot be fully understood without considering the dynamic exchanges that crossed national borders. Picturing the Romantic is not just a collection of essays but a call to rethink our understanding of European Romanticism. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the complexities of art history, the international interplay of artistic currents, and the enduring impact of Romanticism on the visual arts. This volume reshapes the scholarly discourse and inspires future research on the interconnectedness of Romantic movements.