Final answer:
During the Romantic Era, audiences were fascinated by artistic expressions of emotion and imagination, often portrayed through idyllic nature scenes, the Gothic genre, and Orientalism themes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Audiences of the Romantic Era (1815-1900) were captivated by the artistic movement that emphasized emotion and imagination. This movement's subjects often included themes such as the beauty of nature, the ordinary person, the exotic, the ancient, and the supernatural. Romanticism was a significant departure from the previous era's focus on reason and the scientific approach, emerging as a response to the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment ideals.
Paintings from this period would typically feature idyllic landscapes and simple people living in harmony with nature and may include gothic elements such as mysterious castles or ruins. Artists like Delacroix, Turner, and Blake became famous for their use of brilliant colors and energetic depiction of dramatic subject matter. In particular, the genre of Gothic and themes of Orientalism were quite popular among audiences, who were thrilled by portrayals of the imaginative, the terrible, and the awe-inspiring.