Realism

Period: 1848 – 1900

Characteristics: Depiction of everyday life, unvarnished truth and accuracy, critique of social conditions

Events: Revolution of 1848 (1848), Unification of Italy (1861), Unification of Germany (1871)

In the mid-19th century, an artistic movement known as Realism emerged, challenging the dominance of Romanticism and seeking to depict life in its raw and unembellished state. This significant shift in the art world was deeply intertwined with the time’s socio-economic and political contexts, reflecting the era’s rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and political unrest.

In this blog post, we will explore the origins and characteristics of Realism as an art movement, its dedication to objectivity, attention to detail, and commitment to portraying social issues and the human condition. We will also examine some iconic Realist artworks that vividly capture the movement’s ethos, shedding light on the impact and significance of Realism in the 19th-century artistic landscape.

Origins of Realism

The art movement known as Realism emerged in the mid-19th century as a reaction against Romanticism and idealism. Led by artists like Gustave Courbet, Realism sought to depict everyday life and ordinary people truthfully and accurately, without romantic embellishment. It marked a shift away from the grandeur and heightened emotion of previous artistic conventions.

Realism was influenced by contemporary thinkers like Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who emphasised the socio-economic conditions and struggles of the working class. Realist artists mirrored this perspective by focusing on the lower and middle classes’ social realities and everyday experiences, highlighting issues of poverty, labour, and social injustice.

Beyond painting, Realism also influenced literature and theatre, with authors like Honoré de Balzac, Émile Zola, George Eliot, and Thomas Hardy embracing realist principles in their writing. This movement laid the groundwork for subsequent artistic developments such as Naturalism and modernism, challenging artists and audiences to confront the realities of the world by prioritising honest and reflective depictions of life as it is.

Characteristics of Realism

One of the key elements you will observe is the accurate and detailed portrayal of the human figure. Realist artists depict their subjects with precise anatomical correctness, paying close attention to the textures of skin, the play of light and shadow, and the unique characteristics of each individual. This can be seen in the works of Gustave Courbet, where the figures are rendered with such fidelity that they seem almost real. These figures’ clothing, expressions, and postures are portrayed in a way that reflects their true nature and social status, often highlighting the physicality and laborious lives of the working class.

Another element commonly seen in realist paintings is the faithful representation of the environment and settings in which the subjects exist. This includes detailed backgrounds and landscapes that provide context to the scene and enhance the narrative quality of the work. Artists often included detailed depictions of rural or urban settings, with accurately rendered architecture, vegetation, and weather conditions. These elements are not merely backdrops but integral parts of the composition that contribute to the overall Realism of the piece.

Additionally, realist paintings often include everyday objects and scenes that reflect the ordinary lives of the subjects. These objects are depicted with careful attention to their material qualities, such as the worn tools of labourers, the simple furnishings of a peasant’s home, or the city’s bustling streets. The inclusion of these objects helps to ground the paintings in reality. It provides insight into the daily experiences and routines of the people portrayed. The mundane aspects of life are rendered with the same level of importance and detail as the subjects themselves, reinforcing the realist commitment to depicting life as it truly is.

Realism in Painting

Some of the most famous realist paintings include Gustave Courbet’s “The Stone Breakers” and Jean-François Millet’s “The Gleaners.” In “The Stone Breakers,” Courbet portrays the harsh reality of manual labour, depicting two labourers engaged in the gruelling task of breaking stones. His attention to detail and dignified portrayal of the labourers challenged traditional artistic conventions by elevating the depiction of ordinary workers to the realm of high art.

Similarly, Jean-François Millet’s “The Gleaners” embodies the realist commitment to representing the lives of rural peasants with authenticity and empathy. The painting captures three women stooping to collect leftover grains after the harvest, emphasising the toil and resilience of the agricultural labour force. Millet’s skilful rendition of the landscape and human form, combined with his emphasis on the dignity of labour, reinforces the realist ideology of presenting the unembellished truth of everyday existence.

These iconic paintings are excellent examples of the realist movement’s dedication to portraying the realities of ordinary people and their labour. Courbet and Millet challenged the prevailing artistic norms of their time by depicting scenes of rural labour and presenting the human experience with profound empathy. They paved the way for a transformative approach to representing the world through art.

Realism in Sculpture

Some of the most renowned realist sculptures include Honoré Daumier’s “Ratapoil” and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux’s “The Dance.” In “Ratapoil,” Daumier presents a powerful and unflinching portrayal of a political henchman, capturing the essence of corruption and abuse of power. The sculpture challenges the viewer to confront the darker aspects of political influence, embodying realist principles by shedding light on the harsh realities of society. Created in 1850-1851, “Ratapoil” satirises the corrupt agents of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte (later Napoleon III), making a bold statement against political corruption and moral decay.

Similarly, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux’s “The Dance” exemplifies the realist commitment to depicting human emotions and experiences with remarkable authenticity. Created between 1865 and 1869, the sculpture captures a sense of joy and movement, portraying a lively and spirited dance scene with exquisite detail and dynamism. Located on the facade of the Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier), Carpeaux’s skilful portrayal of the human form and his ability to convey the depth of human expression aligns with the realist ideology of representing the unembellished truth of everyday existence. “The Dance” highlights Carpeaux’s mastery in depicting lifelike figures and his talent in evoking the energy and vitality of a joyous celebration.

Both sculptures are notable for their detailed and authentic depictions. They align with realist ideals by focusing on the unembellished truth and capturing the essence of human experiences and societal issues. “Ratapoil” confronts the viewer with the realities of political corruption. At the same time, “The Dance” celebrates the vivacity of human emotion and movement, showcasing the breadth and versatility of realist sculpture in portraying both the darker and more joyous aspects of life.

Realism in Architecture

Architects such as Henri Labrouste and Louis Sullivan embraced Realism by prioritising function over ornamentation, departing from traditional architectural styles. For instance, Labrouste’s Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, built in the 19th century, showcased his innovative use of materials like iron and glass, with a design focused on raw construction beauty.

Similarly, in America, Louis Sullivan, known as the “father of skyscrapers,” embodied Realist principles in his designs, notably emphasising that “form follows function.” His Wainwright Building in St. Louis, Missouri, stood as a testament to this philosophy, showcasing simplicity, practicality, and honesty of materials, reflecting the core tenets of Realist architecture.

Realism vs. Naturalism

Realism and Naturalism were influential movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. Both were committed to representing reality without artificiality or romanticisation. Despite this shared objective, each approached it from different perspectives, reflecting their philosophical beliefs.

Realism emerged in the mid-19th century and focused on accurately representing everyday life in mundane details. Artists and writers like Gustave Courbet and Gustave Flaubert aimed to depict the world exactly as it was, without idealisation or dramatisation. Realism’s central philosophy is rooted in direct observation and representing all social classes without sentimentality or exaggeration.

On the other hand, Naturalism intensifies the commitment to presenting the objective world by employing a more scientific approach to art and literature. Naturalist artists and writers, influenced by scientific developments and Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, sought to study human life as a subject for impartial scientific observation. They typically explored the impact of environmental and hereditary factors on character development, often portraying individuals caught in the overwhelming forces of society or nature.

Émile Zola, a notable figure in the Naturalist movement, advocated the concept of determinism, presenting human behaviour as a result of forces beyond individual control. While Realism and Naturalism both strive for authenticity in their representations, Naturalism delves further into determinism, treating its subjects like a scientist might: entities impacted by their environments and circumstances, with less focus on individual autonomy or agency.

Conclusion

Realism emerged as a response to the prevailing idealism and Romanticism of the 19th-century art world. Emphasising truth, accuracy, and unadorned portrayals of everyday life, Realism compelled society to face its realities head-on. Whether through painting, sculpture, or architecture, Realist artists sought to capture the human experience and draw attention to societal issues. The movement highlighted the importance of genuine, unfiltered expression, urging us to perceive our world through an authentic and sincere lens.