Realism

                                                               Realism

In 1848, a revolution was happening to overthrow the monarchy.
The result sparked a new movement known as Realism.
This movement rejected traditional classicism and Romanticism values.

In relation to art, realism is when the subject is shown by the artist in a realistic manner (showing the natural truth of their subject) as opposed to the idealization of subjects the Neo classicists and Romanticists wanted to portray.

Realists thought that ordinary people carrying out everyday activities were worthy subjects for their art.

Broadly the principle of realism can be understood as the pursuit of truthfulness through art to the life of hardships of ordinary and lower class citizens of society.

Artists painted raw and natural scenes with detail bringing them as close to photographs as possible. Artists used Realism movement to highlight an  aspect in society with paintings that were considered ‘ugly’.

Self portrait of The Desperate Man, 1844-45, Gustave Courbet

Gustave Courbet was one of the artists who lead the French Realism movement and focused on the common people to raise awareness of every individual’s dignity and strength.

‘I am fifty years old and I have always lived in freedom; let me end my life free; when I am dead let this be said of me:
He belonged to no school, to no church, to no institution, to no academy, least of all to any regime except the regime of liberty.’
-Gustave Courbet

The stone Breakers, 1849-50, Gustave Courbet.

This work sheds a light on social realism and depicts two peasants of different ages breaking rocks.This painting was first exhibited at the Paris Salon and was later destroyed during World War II.

Wagon of the Third Class, 1864, Honore Victorin Daumier

This painting tells the story of three women who are attempting to make their way in the world alone. The grandmothers weary face confronts the viewer as to convey the hardships she has lived through. The third class family face away from the other passengers, showing a certain rejection from the rest of society.