The age of romanticism

Romanticism significantly influenced the approach to conservation and restoration of historic sites, marking a pivotal shift in how buildings like Cologne Cathedral were perceived. This movement, rooted in the back-to-nature philosophy and emphasizing freedom, individuality, and creativity, led to the recognition of historic structures as national monuments. Unlike previous practices, Romanticism advocated for preserving buildings that represented transitions between architectural styles, such as Romanesque to Gothic, rather than only those embodying pure stylistic forms. The study highlights how this new historical consciousness, driven by both artistic and religious motivations, reshaped conservation efforts in Germany, France, and England.

Jokilehto, J. (2017). The age of romanticism. A History of Architectural Conservation, 127–168. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315636931-5