Here's a breakdown:
* Beginnings:
* The mid-19th century, around the 1840s and 1850s, is often seen as the start of realism.
* Some consider the 1830s, with works like Balzac's "Le Père Goriot" (1835), as early examples.
* Peak:
* The 1860s and 1870s are considered the peak of realism, with prominent authors like Gustave Flaubert, Leo Tolstoy, and George Eliot producing influential works.
* Transition:
* By the late 19th century, realism started to transition into other movements like naturalism and modernism.
* These later movements explored more psychological and philosophical themes, sometimes pushing the boundaries of realism.
* End:
* There's no clear cut-off date for the end of realism. Some argue that it continues to influence art and literature even today, while others see it as a distinct period that ended around the turn of the 20th century.
Important Points to Remember:
* Realism is not a single, monolithic movement. It encompasses a diverse range of styles and approaches.
* Realism's emergence was influenced by social and political changes. Industrialization, urbanization, and growing social awareness contributed to a desire for artistic representation of everyday life.
* Realism is a broad term. It encompasses many different styles and movements, including naturalism, regionalism, and psychological realism.
It's essential to remember that timelines and periods in art and literature are often fluid and debated. While this general timeframe provides a good starting point, it's always valuable to examine individual artists and their works to understand the nuances and evolution of realism.