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Naturalism and Realism were two artistic movements that emerged prior to Impressionism but shared some commonalities in their rejection of academic standards. While Impressionism represented a departure from these movements in certain aspects, there were still some connections and influences.
Realism emerged in the mid-19th century as a reaction against the idealized and romanticized depictions prevalent in academic art. Realist artists aimed to portray contemporary life and society with truth and accuracy, often focusing on the harsh realities of urban and rural existence. They depicted ordinary people, everyday scenes, and social issues with a straightforward and unembellished style. Realist painters like Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet were known for their sincerity and commitment to representing the world as it was, without idealization.
Naturalism, which emerged alongside Realism, shared similar goals of portraying reality faithfully. However, Naturalist artists often delved deeper into the psychological and emotional aspects of their subjects. They sought to capture the human condition in its raw and unfiltered state, exploring themes such as poverty, suffering, and the complexities of human nature. Naturalist writers like Émile Zola and artists like Honoré Daumier focused on depicting the gritty realities of urban life and the struggles of the working class.
Both Realism and Naturalism rejected the idealized conventions of academic art, which emphasized historical or mythological subjects, idealized figures, and polished techniques. Instead, these movements prioritized truthfulness and authenticity in their representations, often depicting scenes and subjects considered unconventional or taboo by mainstream society.
While Impressionism represented a departure from the detailed realism of earlier movements, it was still influenced by the rejection of academic standards advocated by Realism and Naturalism. Impressionist artists shared a desire to capture contemporary life and fleeting moments with immediacy and authenticity. While they adopted a more subjective and atmospheric approach to painting, they continued the tradition of portraying everyday scenes and ordinary people, albeit with a focus on light, color, and mood rather than strict realism.
Overall, Realism and Naturalism laid the groundwork for the rejection of academic standards that would characterize the Impressionist movement. While Impressionism represented a departure in terms of technique and style, it shared a common goal with its predecessors to depict the world as it truly was, free from the constraints of academic conventions.