Aspects of Romantic Mentality: Ludwig Tieck

Aesthetic views of Ludwig Tieck, one of the prominent Romantics, are analyzed and explored. The article uses a complex philosophical-aesthetic method of analyzig texts. It shows that Tieck demonstrates the high status of art (according to him, it exceeds human abilities) using the example of painting. In the process of creative activity the painter lives an enlightened life that is different from ordinary life. He contemplates alternative worlds that are similar to the worlds of dreams and phantasies and attempts to portray them in his creations. The painter sees all that he depicts as a reality, which, according to Tieck, harmonizes the human being with him or herself and with the entire world. Tieck pays a special attention to landscape painting as it expresses the beauty of the world in which God manifests himself to the world. Tieck’s aesthetics pays significant attention to the sources of realist art. Tieck claims that art is useless in a utilitarian sense. In its essence it is symbolic and it elevates the human spirit over mundane reality. Tieck outlines a Romantic ideal of the woman, which lies at the foundation of many Romantic works, especially literature. The poet uses inspiration in his creativity, which Tieck elevates to prophecy. The basis of artistic creativity is the irrational, which is nevertheless arranged by reason. “Sensory joy” and “tendency to pain and suffering” are important in poetry. However, upon this sensory foundation the poet creates a sublime work that is aimed at the invisible and heavenly. Overall, Tieck reveals both the otherworldly character of poetry and its patriotic and nationalist foundations. He creates one of the paradigms of Romantic irony. Tieck’s aesthetics demonstrates essential aspects of Romantic creativity.