Realism movement

Definition

The Realism movement emerged in the mid-19th century as an artistic and intellectual response to Romanticism, focusing on the depiction of everyday life and ordinary people in a truthful and unidealized manner. It emphasized observation and representation of reality, often highlighting social issues and the struggles of the lower classes, reflecting the changing dynamics of society during a time of industrialization and modernization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism originated in France during the 1840s as a reaction against Romanticism, which was characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism.
2. Key figures in the Realism movement include writers like Gustave Flaubert and Honoré de Balzac, and painters such as Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet.
3. Realists aimed to represent everyday life accurately, often choosing subjects from the working class or rural settings rather than historical or mythological themes.
4. The Realism movement coincided with significant social changes, including urbanization, industrialization, and shifts in class structures, which influenced artists' choices in subject matter.
5. Realism laid the groundwork for later movements such as Naturalism and Social Realism, which further explored themes related to human experience and societal issues.

Review Questions

• How did the Realism movement challenge the ideals of Romanticism in art and literature?
  • The Realism movement challenged Romanticism by rejecting its focus on idealized emotions and heroic subjects. Instead, Realists emphasized the importance of depicting ordinary life as it truly was, including the struggles and experiences of common people. This shift allowed artists and writers to critique societal issues directly, reflecting the changing dynamics of 19th-century society amid rapid industrialization.
• Discuss how social changes during the 19th century influenced the themes explored by Realist artists and writers.
  • The themes explored by Realist artists and writers were heavily influenced by social changes such as urbanization and the rise of the working class. As cities grew due to industrialization, many artists depicted the harsh realities faced by laborers and the impoverished. This focus on social issues not only provided a stark contrast to Romantic ideals but also allowed artists to comment on contemporary society's challenges, making their work relevant to audiences of the time.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Realism movement on modern art and literature, particularly in terms of how it paved the way for later movements.
  • The Realism movement had a profound long-term impact on modern art and literature by establishing a precedent for depicting authentic human experiences without romantic embellishment. It set the stage for subsequent movements like Naturalism, which further scrutinized human behavior through a scientific lens, and Social Realism, which emphasized advocacy for social justice. By prioritizing realism over idealization, these movements influenced how contemporary artists view their responsibility to society, shaping artistic expression well into the 20th century.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary and artistic movement closely related to Realism that sought to apply scientific principles to the study of human behavior, portraying life with an emphasis on the influence of environment and heredity.

Impressionism:

An art movement that followed Realism, characterized by a focus on capturing light and color in transient moments, often representing everyday subjects but with a more subjective approach.

Social Realism: A branch of Realism that specifically addresses social issues, often highlighting the struggles of the working class and advocating for social change through art and literature.