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REALISM

Realism is often recognized as the first modern art movement, mostly because it was such a divergence from the normal styles seen in previous movements. It revolutionized art and challenged conceptions of what constituted art.

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Instead of painting religious images and figures or those of nobility they brought everyday life onto the canvas. Much of this was influenced by the social changes happening around the artists.

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Did you know?

Prior to Realism, artists submitted their artwork to galleries called Salons as well as the official Academy of Art. During this movement artists were all about breaking norms and pushing for social change so many, even though they continued to submit to Salons and the Academy they also were not scared to hold solo shows for the general public.

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CHARACTERISTICS & INFLUENCES

Below is some basic information on Realism and its characteristics and influences. If you would like to print off a copy of this page along with samples of art from this period, you can download the Realism summary above.

Quick Facts:

  • Recognized as the first modern art movement that rejected traditional ideas about what art was

  • It depicted real-life events and real-life people no matter their status

  • Introduced artists as self-publicists fueled by the explosion of print media

Characteristics and/or Types of Art:

  • Used dark and earthy color palettes to challenge the traditional, idealistic view of beauty

  • Challenged the materialistic values or conventional attitudes of the upper and middle class

influences:

  • Revolution

  • Social and political change

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