Realism Art: A Comprehensive Guide | From Origins To Techniques
Could art truly reflect the unfiltered essence of reality? The Realism movement, a pivotal era in art history, dared to challenge the prevailing ideals, focusing instead on the unvarnished truth of everyday life.
The very term "Realism" sparks curiosity, immediately prompting us to question the nature of art itself. Is it meant to be an escape, a fantasy, or a mirror reflecting the world as it is? For the artists of the Realism movement, the answer was clear: art should be a truthful depiction of the world around them, devoid of romanticized notions and idealized forms. This movement, which took root predominantly in the heart of the Industrial Revolution, marked a significant shift in artistic philosophy and technique, forever changing the course of art history.
Realism's origins are firmly planted in 19th-century France. This was a period of immense social and economic upheaval. The Industrial Revolution was transforming society, creating both new opportunities and significant challenges. Artists, witnessing these changes firsthand, felt compelled to portray them, to document the lives of ordinary people, the landscapes of industrialization, and the realities of a rapidly changing world. This movement, therefore, wasn't just an artistic style; it was a response to the world, a conscious effort to capture its complexities and contradictions.
This movement, beginning approximately in 1840 and persisting until 1880, was more than an aesthetic choice. It was a philosophical stance. It was the artists' response to the dramatic social and economic transformations unfolding around them. Artists and writers alike began to explore the reality of everyday life with an unprecedented level of scrutiny, a departure from the emotional and exaggerated themes of Romanticism, which had preceded it. They sought to elevate the contemporary lived experience to the level of respect previously reserved for the traditional salon subject matter.
The concept of Realism itself emerged as a counterpoint to idealism, not just in art, but also in philosophy. The word "realism" began to be used in the artistic and philosophical fields during the late 1700s, but it took time to develop into a movement. One of the first uses of the word Realism was in 1794 and by 1826, the French magazine "Mercure du XIXe sicle" used the word Realism to describe the subject matter and settings in favor of an accurate and sincere picture of real life.
The core principle of Realism was a commitment to depicting the world as it appeared, without embellishment or idealization. This meant focusing on everyday scenes and people, rendered with a naturalistic style. Realist artists sought to capture the tangible details of their subjects, paying close attention to light, shadow, texture, and form. The aim was to create art that felt authentic, that resonated with the viewer through its truthful portrayal of reality. The work of Realist painters was not always easily accepted and did not garner the same popularity. However, their works are still very well-known and are studied today.
One of the most prominent figures in the Realism movement was Gustave Courbet. His painting, "Burial at Ornans" (1849), is a quintessential example of Realism. It depicts a funeral scene of ordinary people, portrayed on a grand scale. Another influential piece of art to emerge during the period of Realism was "Madame Bovary" (1857) by Gustave Flaubert. This work, like the movement itself, rejected the idealized depictions that characterized earlier artistic periods. These artists sought to depict life as it was, with all its complexities and contradictions.
Consider the realistic portraits, landscapes, and still life paintings produced during this time. They were created with the deliberate intent of capturing the subject in a realistic style, potentially to portray the realities of life itself. This approach marked a deliberate departure from the romanticized and often idealized depictions of the world that had characterized earlier artistic movements. Instead, the Realists focused on accurately representing the visible world, often highlighting the social conditions and everyday experiences of ordinary people. Realism was a major trend in French novels and paintings between 1850 and 1880. In the realm of literature, writers like Flaubert used the same principles to depict the realities of their characters' lives, even if these realities were far from flattering or heroic. This commitment to depicting the unidealized aspects of life, the everyday struggles, and the social realities of the time, is what truly defines Realism as a major turning point in art history.
Achieving realism in art demands a keen eye, a dedication to observation, and the development of technical skills. Whether through painting, drawing, or other mediums, the goal remains the same: to create an image that feels believable, that captures the essence of the subject with accuracy and precision. The artist must pay close attention to details, from the play of light and shadow to the textures and forms of the subject. The goal of the Realism movement was not just to replicate the look of things, but also to convey the feeling of the moment and give the viewer insight into the subject's emotional state and social background. This requires not only technical mastery but also a deep understanding of the human experience.
Even in drawing, realism can be achieved by using only lines, by creating the illusion of transitions, brightness values, and edges. The artist must master the fundamentals of composition, light, depth, shape, and perspective to bring their observations to life. The technique is simple, ensure that the colors are wet and with a dry, soft brush, blend them together. This approach, which can be applied to various art forms, illustrates the versatile nature of Realism as a style and a technique.
Today, the term realism continues to evolve. It is used to describe works of art that are painted so realistically that they resemble a photograph. In other fields, such as architecture, one can find realistic looking images that were once drawn using tools like pencils, markers, and paints. Some of these art forms can be so accurate that the viewer might assume they are looking at a photograph. This has led to a broader interpretation of realism, extending beyond the 19th-century movement to encompass any art form that prioritizes accurate depiction.
The Realism movement found inspiration in what was happening "right now" in the lives of ordinary people. It was a period of significant change, marked by the rise of industrialization, social upheaval, and a growing awareness of the complexities of human existence. The artists of the Realism movement responded to these changes by creating works that reflected the world around them, without embellishment or idealization. This approach challenged the traditional artistic values of the time and paved the way for the development of modern art. Realism is broadly considered the beginning of modern art, due to its conviction that everyday life and the modern world were suitable subjects for art. Philosophically, realism embraced the progressive aims of modernism, seeking new truths through the reexamination and overturning of traditional systems of values and beliefs. By focusing on the realities of everyday life, Realism provided a new perspective on art and its role in society.
The legacy of Realism is profound. It shifted the focus of art from the idealized and the romantic to the tangible and the real, setting a precedent for artists to explore the world with honesty and critical awareness. It paved the way for the subsequent movements of Modern art, influencing generations of artists who sought to capture the complexities of human experience and the changing world around them. Realism continues to inspire artists and viewers alike, reminding us of the power of art to reflect, to question, and to reveal the truths of our time.
There are various ways to learn about the Realism art movement. One can study the techniques of drawing, starting with tutorials and progressing to more complex examples. For example, to draw realistic art, one needs a keen eye for detail. This also takes patience and skills to bring your observations to life. And, after shading, once you master the eyes, youll ramp up the realism of your art.
Many online resources and educational institutions offer insights into the history and techniques of Realism. These resources provide opportunities to engage with the artwork of the period, understand the artists' intentions, and gain insight into the world that shaped this influential movement. One can also find guidance on how to use composition, light, depth, shape, and perspective to portray reality through art.
The Realism movement lasted around forty years from 1840 to 1880. The word realism is often used in both philosophy and the arts though in each field the meaning is quite different. In philosophy, realism had a different meaning in the ancient world than it does in modern applications.
Here's a quick look at some key aspects of Realism in art and how it is defined:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | The accurate, detailed, and unembellished depiction of nature or contemporary life. |
| Historical Context | Emerged in the mid-19th century, primarily in France, during the Industrial Revolution. |
| Key Characteristics | Focus on everyday scenes and people, naturalistic style, rejection of romanticized and idealized forms. |
| Notable Artists | Gustave Courbet, Gustave Flaubert, Honor Daumier. |
| Influences | Social and political changes, industrialization, scientific advancements. |
| Major Works | "Burial at Ornans" (Courbet), "Madame Bovary" (Flaubert). |
| Impact | Shifted focus from idealized to the real, paved the way for modern art. |
| Techniques | Emphasis on observation, use of light, shadow, texture, and form to create a sense of realism. |
For further information, you can visit: Britannica - Realism
