RealismIn art, what can that possibly mean?

Realism is a style of art that depicts what the eye can see. It tries to capture every day people doing every day ordinary things.

Artist have tried to do this for a long time.

The Old Violin by William Harnett

Realism

Examples of Realism can be found throughout art history. Greek sculptures carved lifelike replicas of their models, like this old peasant woman.

Realism

Painters in the 17th century like Caravaggio brought a new realism to their work, instead of painting idealized figures.

The Calling of Saint Matthewby Michelangelo Caravaggio

Realism

Painters in the 17th century like Caravaggio brought a new realism to their work, instead of painting idealized figures.

The Maids of Honorby Diego Velázquez

Other examples of Realism artists include the Spanish artist Diego Velázquez . . .

Realism

The Night Watchby Rembrandt van Rijn

. . . and Dutch painters like Rembrandt.

Realism

Gustave Courbet

However, Gustave Courbet is credited with leading the Realism Movement in 19th century France, as well as coining the name.

Instead of showing an idealized version of life, as was expected, he depicted life as it really was.

Realism

The Sleeping Spinner by Gustave Courbet

However, Gustave Courbet is credited with leading the Realism Movement in 19th century France, as well as coining the name.

Instead of showing life better than it was, as was expected, he depicted life as it really was.

Art critics and the art viewing public did not like this change, but Courbet cared about social issues like poverty.

Realism

The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet

Some other Realists include French Artist Jean-François Millet,

Realism

The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet

Some other Realists include French Artist Jean-François Millet,

Realism

Nighthawks by Edward Hopper

. . . and American artist Edward Hopper.

Realism

Nighthawks by Edward Hopper

. . . and American artist Edward Hopper.

Realism