Smarthistory: Naturalism, Realism, Abstraction, and Idealization
Introduction
Naturalism: Resemblance to the real world; more it looks like our world, more naturalistic it is.
Representational vs. Non-representational:
Representational art depicts something, unlike non-representational art.
Example: Caravaggio's The Doubting of Thomas vs. Hakuin Ekaku's Portrait of Daruma.
Key Concepts
Verism
Caravaggio's Art:
Highly detailed, realistic depictions, e.g., The Doubting of Thomas.
Use of real-life models, rendering in minute detail.
Moving Toward Abstraction
Ekaku's Art:
Abstraction: Simplifies or alters reality for effect.
Stylized to emphasize themes like wisdom rather than literal appearance.
Non-representational Art
Kazimir Malevich's Art:
Non-representational art lacks recognizable subjects, using formal elements for expression.
Idealization
Polykleitos's Doryphoros:
Naturalistic in appearance but idealized, representing cultural ideals of perfection.
Naturalism and Realism
14th Century Japanese Art:
Example: The Second of the Sixteen Rakan, more realistic than naturalistic.
Focus on ordinary, sometimes grotesque, depiction rather than idealized.
Disentangling Naturalism and Realism
Overlap and Differences:
Works can be naturalistic and realistic (e.g., The Doubting of Thomas) or naturalistic and idealized (e.g., Doryphoros).
Abstraction can coexist with realism or idealization.
Extreme Realism
Duane Hanson's Sculptures:
Life-size sculptures with intense naturalism and verism, often mistaken for real people.
Conclusion
Citing the Discussion:
Understanding how art navigates between naturalism, realism, abstraction, and idealization provides insights into different cultural and artistic expressions.
Additional Information
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