THINK of romanticism and the romantic movement of the early 19th century and most people aware of the phenomenon will no doubt think of the poets Keats and Shelley, or the novels of Hugo or Dumas, or paintings by Turner and Delacroix, or music by Berlioz or Verdi.

Yet one small northern nation on the edge of Europe greatly influenced the romantic movement on the whole continent and further afield, for Scotland truly was hugely inspirational following the Scottish Enlightenment and the encouragement it gave to writers and artists, notably Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.

The late 18th century ushered in this new cultural movement in Scotland, which developed throughout the 19th century and transformed the country’s art, literature and national identity.

The impact and legacy of this period is explored in Romantic Scotland, which goes on display at Duff House in Banff from tomorrow to Sunday, September 29.

Focusing on Scottish art of the period, the exhibition is curated by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and the National Galleries of Scotland, and showcases paintings from some of the leading Scottish artists of the 18th and 19th centuries, from Alexander Nasmyth and William McTaggart to Glasgow Boys Sir James Guthrie and Sir John Lavery, displayed with photographs, artefacts and exhibits from the same period.

Claire Whitbread, exhibitions manager at HES, said: “Romanticism in Scotland sought inspiration from the country’s natural surroundings, particularly the wild and dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, and often involved an emotional response to nature.

“The romantic image of Scotland popularised in the late 1700s and early 1800s has had lasting influence and significance, playing an important role in shaping both Scottish identity and perception of the country internationally.

“This exhibition, in juxtaposing the romantic interpretations of Scotland’s landscapes with historical photographs and objects, explores the different stories these items tell of this period in Scotland’s history.”

Romantic Scotland heads to Duff House following an exhibition in China, where it was on display at Nanjing Museum, one of the country’s largest cultural institutions. Entry to the exhibition is included in the Duff House admission price and is free for Historic Scotland members.

Duff House is extending its opening hours to open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm. For more information, visit the HES website.

Tricia Allerston, co-director of Celebrating Scotland’s Art, the Scottish National Gallery Project, said: “The National Galleries of Scotland are delighted to be working with Historic Environment Scotland on this exhibition at Duff House.”

“The complementary nature of our two National Collections helps us to explore a key aspect of Scotland’s culture and heritage in new and refreshing ways, and we hope visitors will enjoy it.”