3. History of Realism
The Realist movement began in the mid-19th century as a reaction to
Romanticism and History painting. In favor of depictions of 'real' life, the
Realist painters used common laborers, and ordinary people in ordinary
surroundings engaged in real activities as subjects for their works. The chief
exponents of Realism were Gustave Courbet, Jean-François Millet, Honoré
Daumier, and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot.
4. History of Realism
Gustave Courbet was the first artist to self-consciously proclaim and practice
the realist aesthetic. After his huge canvas The Studio (1854–1855) was
rejected by the Exposition Universelle of 1855, the artist displayed it and other
works under the label “Realism, G. Courbet” in a specially constructed pavilion.
Courbet was strongly opposed to idealization in his art, and he urged other
artists to instead make the commonplace and contemporary the focus of their
art.
5. History of Realism
He viewed the frank portrayal of scenes from everyday life as a truly
democratic art. Such paintings as his Burial at Ornans (1849) and the Stone
Breakers (1849), which he had exhibited in the Salon of 1850–1851, had
already shocked the public and critics by the frank and unadorned factuality
with which they depicted humble peasants and labourers. The fact that
Courbet did not glorify his peasants but presented them boldly and starkly
created a violent reaction in the art world.
6. Definition of Realism
In its specific sense realism refers to a mid nineteenth century artistic
movement characterized by subjects painted from everyday life in a
naturalistic manner; however the term is also generally used to describe
artworks painted in a realistic almost photographic way. The main idea of
Realism in art is to accurately and honestly represent the world through
painting or other media.
7. Components of Realism
Realistic Characters
In realism, characters are neither entirely righteous or totally corrupt—they are
complex, with both positive and negative traits.
Labor
This concept plays a prominent role in many kinds of realism.
8. Components of Realism
Internal Motivations
In realist works, characters’ actions come less from external forces and more
from internal needs like curiosity, desire, or greed.
Genuine Settings
Writers of realism focus on specific environments and the impact they have on
the story.
9. Components of Realism
Society
Societies usually play a significant role in characters’ fates. Choices and events are
dictated not by a grand idea of personal virtue and valor but by the conditioning
imposed by society.
Straightforward Speech
Dialogue is not lofty or overtly cultured.
Verisimilitude
It concentrates on the details that accurately reflect human behavior and psychology.
10. Subgenres of Realism
Magical Realism
In magical realism, the author integrates mystical or fantastical elements into a
realistic setting and worldview.
Naturalism
Naturalism utilizes scientific thought, especially the theories of Charles Darwin,
to illustrate the inescapable influences that shape characters and their
experiences.
11. Subgenres of Realism
Psychological Realism
Works of this genre take an interest in characters’ motivation.
Social Realism
This era of literary technique involves telling stories about the poor and working
classes.
12. Subgenres of Realism
Socialist Realism
These works venerate the struggles of the working classes to support larger
socialist ideals.
Theatrical Realism
Theatrical realism applies to dramatic works written for the stage. Plays in this
style aim to make theatrical stories true- to-life.
13. Gustave Courbet
Jean Désiré Gustave Courbet was a French painter who
led the Realism movement in 19th-century French
painting. Committed to painting only what he could see,
he rejected academic convention and the Romanticism
of the previous generation of visual artists. Courbet
worked in all genres. A lover of women, he glorified the
female nude in paintings of stunning warmth and
sensuality.
16. Edward Hopper
Edward Hopper is generally considered the foremost
realist painter of 20th-century America. Though Hopper
also worked in etching and watercolor, he is best known
for his oil paintings, which often convey a sense of
melancholy or isolation. Hopper's paintings highlight
themes of isolation and loneliness. In their time, these
works were successful at depicting the emotions of
Americans during both the World Wars and the Great
Depression.
18. Rosa Bonheur
Born in a rich family, Rosa Bonheur first displayed her art at
a salon in Paris at age 19 and she was soon recognized as an
important painter. Her popularity in France declined around
the center of her life but her works were greatly admired in
England and America. Even Queen Victoria had high praise
for Bonheur’s masterpiece. Bonheur is best known for her
painting of animals which she created after extensive
scientific study of animal anatomy.
