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The Realism art period emerged as a reaction against the Romantic movement that preceded it. Realist artists rejected many of the idealized and fantastical elements of Romanticism in favor of a more objective and truthful portrayal of the world.
Romanticism often idealized the world, emphasizing dramatic landscapes, heroic figures, and fantastical narratives. Realism, on the other hand, sought to depict the world as it truly was, without embellishment or romanticization. Realist artists focused on portraying the mundane and ordinary aspects of life with honesty and accuracy.
While Romanticism often depicted exotic locales, historical events, and mythological subjects, Realism turned its attention to the everyday realities of contemporary life. Realist artists depicted scenes from everyday life, including urban and rural landscapes, portraits of common people, and depictions of ordinary activities and occupations.
Romanticism prioritized emotion and imagination, often evoking powerful emotional responses in viewers through dramatic compositions and expressive brushwork. Realism, by contrast, emphasized careful observation and objective representation. Realist artists sought to capture the world with precision and accuracy, relying on direct observation and empirical evidence rather than subjective interpretation.
Romanticism often celebrated the individual genius and creativity of artists, focusing on the subjective experiences and emotions of the artist as a solitary figure. Realism, however, shifted its focus to the collective experiences of society as a whole. Realist artists depicted ordinary people and everyday life, exploring the social, economic, and cultural realities of their time.
The rejection of Romanticism in favor of Realism can be seen as a response to the social and economic changes brought about by industrialization. Realist artists sought to document and critique the effects of industrialization on society, portraying scenes of urban poverty, labor exploitation, and social inequality with unflinching honesty.
Overall, the rejection of Romanticism in the Realism art period represented a shift towards a more objective and socially engaged approach to art. Realist artists sought to capture the complexities and contradictions of contemporary life, offering a truthful and unvarnished portrayal of the world around them.