Sublimer: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Latin word 'sublimis', which means 'uplifted' or 'high', suggesting elevation in quality or experience.
• The usage in English can be traced back to the 17th century, where it represented elevated thoughts or feelings.
• In art and literature, the concept has been used to describe works that evoke awe and admiration.

Philosophy

• The sublime has been a topic of discussion in philosophy, particularly in the works of Immanuel Kant, who linked it to experiences that go beyond everyday reasoning.
• Kant suggested that encounters with the sublime can provoke both pleasure and a feeling of fear, sparking deep thoughts about nature and existence.
• Romantic poets often celebrated the sublime in nature, capturing feelings of wonder and transcendence.

Art

• In visual art, artists like Caspar David Friedrich depicted sublime landscapes that evoke a sense of vastness and beauty.
• The sublime is often contrasted with the beautiful, with the former being more about overwhelming feeling rather than mere aesthetic pleasure.
• Sublime art seeks to connect viewers to profound emotions and reflections on their place in the universe.

Literature

• Many literary works explore themes of the sublime, highlighting powerful emotions linked to nature, love, and existentialism.
• Authors such as Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley delved into the sublime as a reflection of their characters’ internal conflicts.
• The concept encouraged writers to evoke a sense of amazement and challenge conventional storytelling.