Italian Romanticism was a cultural movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature. It was a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the constraints of Neoclassicism. Key figures included poets like Giuseppe Giusti and Ugo Foscolo, who explored themes of love, patriotism, and the beauty of the Italian landscape. The movement also influenced visual arts, with painters such as Ettore Roesler Franz capturing the essence of Italian life and scenery. Italian Romanticism played a significant role in shaping national identity, as artists and writers sought to express the unique cultural heritage of Italy during a time of political upheaval and unification.