Realism
by Phillip Martin
Realism
What can that possibly mean?
Realism
An “ism” is a suffix at the end of many English words. It comes from Greek “ismos” and Latin “ismus”. You have seen it at the end of words like optimism, Buddhism, racism, favoritism, and terrorism.
Realism
It signifies a belief, practice, idea, or movement. In art, there are many movements that end in ism. One of the most important ISMs is Realism.
Realism
Realism is a style of art that depicts what the eye can see. It tries to capture every day people doing every day ordinary things.
Artist have tried to do this for a long time.
The Old Violin by William Harnett
Realism
Examples of Realism can be found throughout art history. Greek sculptures carved lifelike replicas of their models, like this old peasant woman.
Realism
Painters in the 17th century like Caravaggio brought a new realism to their work, instead of painting idealized figures.
The Calling of Saint Matthew by Michelangelo Caravaggio
Realism
Other examples of Realism artists include the Spanish artist Diego Velázquez . . . Painters in the 17th century like Caravaggio brought a new realism to their work, instead of painting idealized figures.
The Maids of Honor by Diego Velázquez
Realism
. . . and Dutch painters like Rembrandt.
The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn
Realism
However, Gustave Courbet is credited with leading the Realism Movement in 19th century France, as well as coining the name. Instead of showing an idealized version of life, as was expected, he depicted life as it really was.
Gustave Courbet
Realism
However, Gustave Courbet is credited with leading the Realism Movement in 19th century France, as well as coining the name. Instead of showing life better than it was, as was expected, he depicted life as it really was.
The Sleeping Spinner by Gustave Courbet
Art critics and the art viewing public did not like this change, but Courbet cared about social issues like poverty.
Realism
Some other Realists include French Artist JeanFrançois Millet,
The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet
Realism
Some other Realists include French Artist JeanFrançois Millet,
The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet
Realism
. . . and American artist Edward Hopper.
Nighthawks by Edward Hopper
Realism
. . . and American artist Edward Hopper.
Nighthawks by Edward Hopper
Realism
Now you know about Realism in art. If you want to know more, you can always a research Cubism, Surrealism, Expressionism, Constructivism, Fauvism, Pointillism, Dadaism, Impressionism, Mannerism, Modernism, Post-Modernism, Neo-Expressionism, and Romanticism. . . for starters.
Movements
Impressionism Cubism Pointillism Realism Surrealism More isms
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