Lecture on Realism and Naturalism in Art

Introduction to Realism

• Realism generally refers to realistic portrayals of subject matter and content.
• Artworks that closely resemble everyday life are considered realistic.

Understanding Naturalism

• Naturalism focuses on the physical characteristics of an artwork.
  • Includes elements like shapes, colors, forms, lighting, and shadows.
• Represents the natural world more closely than other styles.

Realism vs. Naturalism

• Realism: Concerned with narrative and everyday life representation.
• Naturalism: Focuses on visual appearance.
• Realism is considered the opposite of "idealism."
  • Idealism: Illustrates subjects with higher principles and goals.
• Example:
  • Botticelli's painting portrays ideal bodies in a fantasy setting (idealism).
  • Jean Francois Millet's painting depicts a working-class woman (realism).

Naturalism vs. Abstraction

• Naturalism is the opposite of abstract and stylized art.
• Example:
  • Matisse's abstract painting with geometric shapes (not naturalistic).
  • Rubens' painting of Venus and Adonis is naturalistic but not realistic due to its mythological content.

Historical Context

• Realism as an art movement began in Europe in the mid-to-late 1800s.
• It was a response to:
  • Neoclassicism's idealistic constraints.
  • The dramatic and theatrical nature of romanticism.
• Influenced by social changes like the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution.
• Artists began focusing on the harsh realities of working-class lives.

Realism and Naturalism Together

• A work can be both realism and naturalism.
• Example:
  • Gustav Courbet's paintings depict working-class subjects (realism) with naturalistic compositions.

Homework Assignment

• Find artwork representing realism but not naturalism.
• Find artwork representing naturalism but not realism.
• Art forms can include photography, drawings, prints, watercolors, or sculptures.

Conclusion

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