Realism in Art and Literature

Study Notes

Realism is an art and literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, particularly in Europe and North America.
It focuses on depicting everyday life and contemporaneous social issues in a realistic and accurate manner.
Realism rejects idealism and romanticism, instead emphasizing the harsh realities of life.

Accurate representation: Realist artists and writers aim to represent life as it is, without embellishment or idealization.
Focus on ordinary people: Realism often centers on the lives and experiences of ordinary people, rather than heroic or aristocratic figures.
Social commentary: Realist works often critique social ills, such as poverty, inequality, and injustice.
Attention to detail: Realist artists and writers strive to accurately depict the world around them, including the physical environment and the people who inhabit it.

Characteristics: Realist art often features:
- Detailed, accurate representations of everyday life and environments.
- Use of muted colors and earth tones.
- Emphasis on the mundane and the ordinary.
Notable artists: Gustave Courbet, Jean-François Millet, Honoré Daumier.

Characteristics: Realist literature often features:
- Detailed, accurate descriptions of settings and characters.
- Focus on the everyday lives and experiences of ordinary people.
- Use of vernacular language and dialect.
Notable authors: Gustave Flaubert, Honoré de Balzac, Émile Zola.

Realism paved the way for later art and literary movements, such as Naturalism, Impressionism, and Social Realism.
Realism's focus on social commentary and critique has influenced a wide range of artistic and literary movements.
Realism continues to influence contemporary art and literature, with many artists and writers drawing on its core principles and themes.

Emerged in the mid-19th century in Europe and North America as an art and literary movement.
Focuses on depicting everyday life and social issues in a realistic and accurate manner.
Rejects idealism and romanticism, emphasizing harsh realities.

Aims to represent life accurately, without embellishment or idealization.
Centers on ordinary people's lives and experiences.
Critiques social ills, such as poverty, inequality, and injustice.
Accurately depicts the world, including the physical environment and its inhabitants.

Paved the way for Naturalism, Impressionism, and Social Realism.
Influenced a wide range of artistic and literary movements with its social commentary and critique.
Continues to influence contemporary art and literature, drawing on its core principles and themes.