Romanticism was an artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century, primarily in Europe. It emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature, often reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment. Romantic artists and writers sought to express deep feelings and explore the human experience, valuing imagination over reason. Key figures of the Romantic movement include poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, as well as novelists such as Mary Shelley and Victor Hugo. The movement influenced various art forms, including literature, music, and visual arts, leaving a lasting impact on culture and thought.