Central European school of the second third of the 19th century

Central European school of the second third of the 19th century.
"Lake landscape with mill".
Oil on canvas.
Period frame with faults.
Measurements: 71 x 92 cm; 104 x 125 x 8 cm (frame).

In this landscape we can appreciate above all the influence of the romantic ideas, which determine the expression of a sublime and hostile nature, whose magnificent dimension leaves the human figure in a clear situation of inferiority.
One of the most radical aspects of Romantic painting was the attempt to replace the great canvases of historical or religious themes with landscapes. They wanted the pure landscape, almost without figures or totally devoid of them, to achieve the heroic significance of history painting. They were based on the idea that human feeling and nature should be complementary, one reflected in the other. That is, the landscape should arouse emotion and transmit ideas. Thus, landscape painters like the author of this canvas tried to express their feelings through the landscape, instead of imitating it.