Realism

Realism is a movement in art, literature, and philosophy that emerged in the 19th century as a reaction against Romanticism. It is characterized by a focus on the everyday, the mundane, and the ordinary, with an emphasis on accurate and detailed depiction of reality.

History

Realism originated in France in the mid-19th century. The movement was led by Gustave Courbet, who rejected the idealized classicism of academic art and the exotic themes of Romanticism. Instead, he focused on painting everyday scenes and people, often in a stark and unflattering light.

In literature, Realism was championed by authors such as Gustave Flaubert, Honoré de Balzac, and Émile Zola. These writers sought to depict life as it was, without romanticizing or idealizing it. They often focused on the lives of ordinary people, and their works were characterized by detailed descriptions and a focus on character development.

In philosophy, Realism is associated with the belief that reality exists independently of our perceptions or beliefs. This view is contrasted with Idealism, which holds that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual in nature.

Characteristics

Realism is characterized by a focus on the everyday and the ordinary. Realist artists and writers seek to depict life as it is, without idealizing or romanticizing it. They often focus on the lives of ordinary people, and their works are characterized by detailed descriptions and a focus on character development.

In art, Realism is associated with a rejection of the idealized classicism of academic art and the exotic themes of Romanticism. Instead, Realist artists focus on painting everyday scenes and people, often in a stark and unflattering light.

In literature, Realist authors often focus on the lives of ordinary people, and their works are characterized by detailed descriptions and a focus on character development.

In philosophy, Realism is associated with the belief that reality exists independently of our perceptions or beliefs. This view is contrasted with Idealism, which holds that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual in nature.

See also

• Naturalism (art)
• Naturalism (literature)
• Naturalism (philosophy)

Realism Resources
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