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Realism

Realism was an artistic movement that began in 1950s in France. The movement was started with an aim to depict things as they originally were. The term ‘Realism’ was coined by French novelist Frent Champfleury in the 1840s and in art it was used in the work of his friend painter Gustav Courbet. He is considered to be the most prominent leading figure of the movement. He constructed the basis on which the movement was built. Another important realist painted who pioneered the movement was Jean -Francois Millet, he created paintings comprising of everyday subjects like farmers, working class people etc.

Realist painters rejected the ideal of ideal portrayal of the subject rather chose to paint the ordinary scenes and lifestyle of people of 19th century. The subjects in their artworks included scenes of peasants, city, streets, cafes etc. The movement of realism can be considered as the beginning of Modern art with France being its epicenter, however, the movement quickly spread throughout Europe.  

Realist painters started breaking the ideal or specific style of art. Some artists also felt the movement was somewhat connected to the concept of naturalism. The movement transformed the very basic nature of art subjects and its ideology. The movement allowed the painters to present a more honest representation of the society and its people.

The popularity of the concept of realism and realist works grew with the introduction of photography. As the realism movement developed it inspired the cultivation of a sense of realism in various other artistic movements. These included Realism that was present within literature, theatre and cinema.

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