Realism (arts)
Realism in the
visual arts and
literature is the depiction of subjects as they appear in
everyday life, without embellishment or interpretation. The term is also used to describe works of art which, in revealing a truth, may emphasize the ugly or sordid. It represents the opposite of
idealism.
Realism also refers to a mid-19th century cultural movement with its roots in
France.
Realism became prominent as a cultural movement in France as a reaction to the idealism of
Romanticism in the middle of the 19th century. Often linked to demands for social and political reform and democracy, realism dominated the
visual arts and literature of France, England and the United States from around 1840 to 1880. Prominent realists in the
French literature of the 19th century include
Balzac and
Stendhal on the literary side and their counterparts in the visual arts include
Gustave Courbet and
Jean François Millet.
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Naturalism (literature) *
Realism in 19th century French literature*
Kitchen sink drama*
Nineteenth century theatreRealists render
everyday characters, situations, dilemmas, and objects, all in an "
true-to-life" manner. Realists tend to discard theatrical drama, lofty subjects and
classical forms of art in favor of commonplace themes.
Italian Neorealism was a cinematic movement incorporating elements of realism that developed in post-WWII Italy. Notable Neorealists included
Vittorio De Sica,
Luchino Visconti, and
Roberto Rossellini.
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Realism*
Genre painting*
Fantastic realism*
Heroic realism*
Magic realism*
Naturalism (art)*
New Realism*
Photorealism *
Romantic realism*
Social realism
