Realism was a reaction against the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion and imagination. Realists believed that art should focus on depicting the everyday world in a truthful and objective way.
Some key characteristics of Realism include:
* Focus on ordinary people and everyday life: Realist artists often depicted working-class people, farmers, and other members of society who were typically not subjects of art in the past.
* Accurate representation of reality: Realist paintings were characterized by their detailed and precise depictions of people, objects, and scenes.
* Emphasis on light and shadow: Realists used chiaroscuro (the contrast of light and dark) to create a sense of depth and realism in their paintings.
* Naturalistic style: Realist paintings often featured a muted color palette and avoided overly dramatic or sentimental scenes.
Some famous Realist artists include Gustave Courbet, Jean-François Millet, and Édouard Manet.