Realism (arts)

Gustave Courbet 010

La familia de Carlos IV, por Francisco de Goya

Eilif Peterssen-Laksefiskeren (1889)

Henri BIVA, ca 1905-06, Matin à Villeneuve, Salon 1906 postcard - original painting, oil on canvas, 151.1 x 125.1 cm, private collection

Pieta z Lubiaza

RooksBackOfSavrasov

Realism in the arts is a movement that emerged in mid-19th century France, advocating for the depiction of everyday life and ordinary people in art. Realism rejects the idealized, exaggerated, and romanticized representations of subjects in favor of more truthful and accurate depictions. This movement spans across various forms of art, including painting, literature, and theatre, and has influenced numerous other movements and styles throughout history.

Origins and Development

Realism as an art movement was a response to the Romanticism that dominated the 18th and early 19th centuries. Romantic artists and writers emphasized emotion, individualism, and the sublime, often through dramatic and imaginative portrayal. In contrast, Realist artists sought to represent subjects without embellishment or interpretation, focusing on the mundane aspects of life.

The movement is often traced back to the works of French artists such as Gustave Courbet, who is known for his commitment to painting only what he could see. His masterpiece, The Stone Breakers (1849), is frequently cited as a defining work of Realist art, depicting laborers in a stark and unromanticized manner.

Characteristics

Realism is characterized by several key features:

• Depiction of the ordinary: Realist works focus on everyday life and common people such as peasants, workers, and the bourgeoisie.
• Attention to detail: Artists pay close attention to the details of the physical world to accurately represent their subjects.
• Use of natural light: Realist paintings often showcase natural light and shadow to enhance the realism of the scene.
• Social and political commentary: Many Realist artists used their work to comment on social and political issues of their time.

Influence and Legacy

The Realism movement had a profound impact on the development of modern art, influencing numerous other movements such as Naturalism, Impressionism, and Socialist Realism. It challenged traditional artistic values and conventions, paving the way for artists to explore a wide range of subjects and styles.

In literature, Realism influenced writers like Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, and George Eliot, who focused on detailed descriptions of everyday life and characters based on ordinary people. In theatre, Realism led to the development of naturalistic performance styles and the use of authentic settings and dialogue.

Contemporary Realism

While the Realism movement is most closely associated with the 19th century, its principles continue to influence artists today. Contemporary Realism seeks to depict the modern world with a similar focus on everyday life and social issues. Artists working in this tradition employ a variety of media, including digital art and photography, to explore current themes and narratives.

See Also

• Naturalism
• Impressionism
• Socialist Realism
• Modernism