Expressive theories of art originated from which literary movement?

• A. Realists
• B. Classical
• C. Romantics
• D. Modernists

Answer: (C)

Expressive theories of art emphasize art as a vehicle for the artist’s inner feelings and personal vision, rather than just a mirror of the external world. This view took shape with the Romantic movement, which put emotion, imagination, and individuality at the center of artistic creation and challenged the idea that art should simply imitate reality or follow strict rules. In Romantic literature, the artist’s voice and emotional truth are prized, making expression the primary purpose of art. Realism focuses on faithful depictions of life and society, so it’s not the source of expressivity; Classicism stresses order, form, and universal ideals rather than personal feeling; Modernism explores new forms and techniques but arrives later and isn’t the origin of viewing art as primarily expressive.