However, Courbet certainly played a significant role in shaping and popularizing Realism. He was a vocal advocate for depicting the lives of ordinary people and the everyday world, and his controversial paintings like "The Stonebreakers" and "The Burial at Ornans" challenged the traditional subjects and styles of academic art.
Here's how Realism changed after Courbet's emergence:
* Focus on ordinary life: Courbet and other Realists embraced depicting the lives of working-class people, peasants, and laborers. They showed the realities of their existence, including poverty, hardship, and labor. This contrasted with the idealized subjects of academic art, which favored mythology, history, and religious themes.
* Emphasis on direct observation: Realist artists emphasized observing the world directly and portraying it with accuracy. They rejected the romanticized and idealized approach of earlier movements, striving for a truthful and objective representation.
* Rejection of idealism: Realism challenged the romantic ideals of beauty and perfection that characterized earlier artistic styles. They embraced the imperfections and complexities of reality, showing the beauty in the ordinary and the struggle in everyday life.
* Social commentary: Realist art often carried a strong social commentary, exposing the inequalities and injustices of society. It served as a powerful tool for raising awareness about poverty, labor conditions, and other social issues.
However, Realism wasn't a monolithic movement. Different artists within the movement developed their own unique styles and approaches:
* Millet: Focused on the dignity of peasant labor.
* Daumier: Satirized social and political issues with biting humor.
* Manet: Bridged the gap between Realism and Impressionism, incorporating contemporary life and looser brushwork.
While Realism was a relatively short-lived movement, its influence on subsequent art movements was profound. It laid the groundwork for Impressionism, Naturalism, and even Modernism. Realism's emphasis on observation, directness, and social commentary continues to resonate in contemporary art.