Realism...

Realism was an art movement which developed as a reaction to the 'softer idealistic' movement of Romantism. This new movement chose to depict life as it was, showing the struggles, hardships and reality of the world and of everyday events in it.

	Jongkind, Johan Barthold, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1856, linen, 56 × 68 cm, Amsterdam, Stedelijk Museum

 

If we look at the movement which was the forerunner to realism, which was Romanticism, we can perhaps draw the conclusion that the idealistic depictions were just that, 'idealistic' while life in many countries for the average citizen was anything less then idealistic. The artist Jean-Francois Millet shows this reality in his works. While many artists of this movement sought to depict life as they saw it, the topics that were generally painted were not always embraced and accepted. Many of the compositions were seen as perhaps political statements that were meant to make more revolutionary suggestions. Some artworks were created simply to show the reality of urban over crowding, heavy trade, the struggles of the poor, and the conditions of the working man.

A Changing world during the nineteenth century...

The structure of the modern world was changing rapidly. These emerging powers competed between each other for control and influence, and life changed for millions of people. Industrialization was spreading and there were huge political shifts as European Empires grew and expanded across the globe. The British Empire became the most powerful imperial force. France also emerged as a powerhouse, recovering after the failures of the Napoleonic era and established a strong foothold in Northern, Central and Western Africa, as well as Indochina and elsewhere. France was an economic rival for Britain in the Mediterranean and what is referred to today as the 'Middle East'. As a result, there were economic struggles for many of the lower classes, they became the labor force for the growing empires. The United States was also undergoing major change and growth. Several territories were being purchased from other countries, such as France, Britain, Russia, and Mexico and the country was struggling with the issues of the native peoples. The country was under expansion but at the same time, there was unrest and upheaval as immigrants tried to make their way in a fast changing world.

How did the change spread so quickly?

New commercial ties between countries may have been the catalyst, but the industrial revolution soon spread out from England and across most of Europe. As a result, urbanization was the norm as the cities expanded and grew, attracting millions to their centers. Transportation and communications had improved and large amounts of people, products and information could shift between regions. With urbanization, came struggles for many, both in the cities and in rural areas.

How did this affect art?

Many new developments for artists came as a result of the industrial revolution. The invention of metal tubes for storing oil paint was a major catalyst that made the logistics of painting easier for many. Artists were able to travel outside of the studios, taking their supplies, paints and easels with them. A process that was not possible in prior times. 'Plein Air' painting (outdoors) made more popular by a group of French artists who left the urban centers and developed a new style of art.

Many new artists emerge from this period with their own interpretations of life as they saw it. Some depicting the struggles of people living in the rural areas, like the French artist Jean-Franscois Millet who painted rural compositions which showed the reality of life for the poor peasants. Other artists painted with a more realistic, but peaceful style, featuring landscapes that show great detail and the realism of the actual moment and geography. Artists painted with a sense of independence, but were strongly influenced by the times.

Gerhard Wilhelm von Reutern: A Visit to the Cemetery in Willenshausen, 1842, Oil on Canvas, 51,5 × 37,5 cm, St. Petersburg, Hermitage Museum,		Jean-Francois Millet (II) The Gleaners, 1857, Canvas, 84 × 111 cm Paris, Museum d'Orsay School of Barbizon, Genre Painting, France

 

Paint media – Oils

Artists – John Singlton Copley, Edouard Manet, Gustave Courbet, Edgar Degas, Jean Francois Millet, Jozef Israels, Paul Seignac, Jules Breton, Antoine Vollon, Thomas Eakins, Julien Dupre and others...  

Title: Nineteenth Century European Art Author: Petra Chu ISBN: 0131886436   General Topic: Art History	Title: Drawn into the Light: Jean Francois Millet Author:by Alexandra R. Murphy, Richard Rand, Brian Allen, James A. Ganz ISBN: 0300079257 General Topic: Art History	Title: Jean-François Millet Author:Lucien Lepoittevin ISBN: 2908071932 General Topic: Art History

 

Title:Courbet's Realism by Michael Fried Author: Petra Chu ISBN: 0226262154 General Topic: Art History	Title:Jean-Francois Millet Pastels and Drawings Author:Laurent Manoeuvre ISBN: 2914661401   General Topic: Art History	Title:Realism Style and Civilization Author: Linda Nochlin ISBN: 0140132228 General Topic: Art History