Here's a breakdown of the key factors that led to the rise of Realism:
1. Rise of Industrialization and Urbanization: The Industrial Revolution brought massive changes to society, leading to rapid urbanization and a growing middle class. These changes led to a desire for art that reflected the realities of everyday life, rather than the idealized and fantastical themes of Romanticism.
2. Social and Political Upheaval: The 19th century saw a wave of social and political reforms, including the fight for workers' rights, the abolition of slavery, and the rise of democratic movements. These social and political changes led artists to focus on the struggles of the working class and the injustices of society.
3. Philosophical Influences: The philosophy of positivism, which emphasized the importance of observation and empirical evidence, had a profound impact on Realism. Realists believed that art should be based on careful observation and accurate portrayal of reality.
4. Advancements in Photography: The invention of photography in the 1830s had a significant impact on Realism. Photography provided a new way to capture and represent the world, and it influenced artists to adopt a more objective and realistic style.
5. Rejection of Romanticism: Realism rejected the emotional intensity, idealism, and subjectivity of Romanticism. Realists sought to portray the world in a straightforward and objective manner, focusing on everyday life, social issues, and the plight of ordinary people.
Key Figures and Movements:
* Literary Realism: Gustave Flaubert, Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Leo Tolstoy, Honoré de Balzac
* Visual Arts Realism: Gustave Courbet, Jean-François Millet, Edouard Manet, Honore Daumier
Important Note: The rise of Realism was a gradual process, and it wasn't a unified movement with a single, rigid set of principles. Different artists and writers explored Realism in their own unique ways. However, the core principles of objectivity, social commentary, and an emphasis on the everyday remained central to the movement.