L is for the Lower than low temperatures in the U.S. this Valentine’s Day!

O is for how Over we are trying to make out with masks on.

V is for Vast amount of candy we still have leftover from last Valentine’s day.

E is for an Everlasting love of art!

It seems fitting to feature some art from the late 18^thcentury romantic period as we move in Valentine’s Day weekend. I’ll keep it short, so you can still make your dinner reservation. First, let me give a quick rundown of what romanticism is (outside of flickering candles and Bad Company blaring in the bedroom). I think Urban Dictionary defines Romanticism best: “The name given to those schools of thought that value feeling and intuition over reason. Basically a bunch of hippies.” Here are a few examples of what the hippies of the late 18^th century were up to:

Don’t miss the stallion peering through the curtains!

The Nightmare: Henry Fuseli painted this piece, which may surprise culture now. In 1781 it was downright shocking. In a good way, apparently. It received a ton of attention because people couldn’t look away. One article said it was looked upon with “horrified fascination.” You know- like how we watch the fantasy suite episode of The Bachelor. The ape is an Incubus, a demon who rapes sleeping women. And now I’m rethinking putting this painting in a romantic Valentine’s Day post and also reconsidering any fondness for the band.

Love this ‘ship.

The Kiss by Francesco Hayez is much sweeter. I love the bright colors in this one, not to mention the detail. Look at the tiny wrinkles in her dress, the cracks in the wall, the worn floor… the shadow in the back?! Art historians agree the couple represents a new Italy, but the shadow depicts lurking danger. This is Hayez’s most famous work, but what an intriguing work it is! So sexy and dangerous!

I hope they remember their sunscreen!

Jacques-Louis David’s The Farewell: Okay, technically, you guys? This is Neoclassic. But it looks to me like it has a lot of Romantic qualities. It’s dreamy and bright and their headbands have a real “hippy” vibe, in my opinion, so we’re going with it. It tells a piece of Telemachus’ and Eucharis’ story. The heartbreaking part where they’re in love, but he has to leave to find his father. Eucharis is so sweet on his shoulder, but let’s not ignore his dog’s loving gaze. The painting just drips with devotion and adoration.

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends. I hope your day is full of steamy kisses, dreamy gazes, and sans nightmarish demons.