RealismAlan Thompson

Background1840-1900Based in France Sought to convey a truthful and objective

vision of the contemporary worldGained support after the revolution of 1848Democratic movement in natureAlso referred to as naturalism

CharacteristicsSkeptical in natureRejected idealized classicismRejected exotic themes of romanticism Avoided supernatural elements or anything

with a hint of doubtAvoided personal stylization by artist Provided honest portrayals of life forms, and

perspective

CharacteristicsEmphasized the details of light and colorDepending on goals of the artist, he/she may

depict ugly and anti-aesthetic images to promote awareness and provoke change

Subjects of paintings would often be common workers and ordinary people

Leading artistsGustave Courbet led the realist movement

“Painting is an essentially concrete art and can only consist in the representation of real and existing things,”

Jean-Francois MilletKnown for his depictions of peasants and

farmersJean-Baptiste-Camille Corot

Known for broad range of talents, including landscape, portrait and print etching

Stone Breakers by Gustave Courbet (Top), Self portrait by Courbet (Bottom)

The Gleaners by Jean-Francois Millet (Top), Young girl reading by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (Bottom)

The Meeting by Courbet (Top), Potato planters by Jean-Francois Millet (Bottom)