The real life of the urban poor.
yes
Many tried to depict a new, deeper reality by experimenting with fresh forms.
everyday life
Some well known realist artists include Thomas Eakins and Winslow Homer. Their works are proudly displayed in many art galleries and they have inspired other artists.
During the 19th century, portraits and genre scenes of ordinary life were most popular among Realist artists who sought to depict the everyday lives of common people in a truthful and objective manner. Artists such as Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet were influential in this movement.
Realist artists like Gustave Courbet aimed to depict everyday life and ordinary people with honesty and accuracy, rejecting the idealization and romanticism prevalent in earlier art movements. They focused on real social issues and the struggles of the working class, using their art to challenge traditional narratives and represent the human experience authentically. By portraying subjects in a straightforward manner, they sought to bring attention to the realities of contemporary life and encourage viewers to confront societal issues.
Grace
clarity and detail
Grace
Industrial Revolution
Because they were commissioned and paid to do so.
Realist artists were most influenced by the social and political changes occurring in 19th-century Europe, particularly the effects of the Industrial Revolution and the rise of urbanization. They sought to depict everyday life and ordinary people with a focus on authenticity, often highlighting the struggles of the working class. Additionally, the philosophical ideas of positivism and a reaction against Romanticism's idealism played a significant role in shaping their approach to art. Realists aimed to represent reality as it was, often addressing social issues and advocating for reform through their work.