Realism

Europe and North America in the Age of Social Progress

Positivism: philosophy that believes social progress should be based on facts and science. (Sociology)

REALISM: art based on unembellished scenes of contemporary life. • Lacks emotion

• Grim existence of the urban poor

• Country peasants in everyday activities

• Different types of realism seen in France, Britain, and the United States.

JEAN-FRANÇOIS MILLET, Woman Baking Bread, 1854.

Art with Political Undertones

41

The Father of Modern Art Looks to Art History

Pastoral Concert by Titian or Georgione

Raphael, Judgment

of Paris

Insight into the Everyday

53

Thomas Eakins. Max Schmitt in a Single Scull

(The Champion Single Sculls). 1871

Winslow Homer. Snap the Whip. 1872

Identify the formal characteristics and typical subject matters of Realist art in France and America.

Discuss the types of content inherent in Realist works.

Define key terms including positivism and en plein air.

Explain Manet’s unique position in the art world of Paris.