Definition of Realism Painting

The term realism applied to art in general expresses that what is communicated (a painting, a sculpture or one narration literary) corresponds to the truth of something. Therefore, the concept of realism indicates that what is represented is a faithful approximation to reality.

Realism painting emerged as an opposite reaction to romantic painting

Although the idea of ​​pictorial realism is applicable to different stages in the history of art, in the 1840s in France a movement which is known as realism. Art historians consider that this current began to express their opposition to the ideals of the previous current, romantic painting. This implies that the artist is not inspired by daydreams or imaginary historical evocations, but rather that his source of inspiration is reality as it is.

Significant works

In the "Burial of Ornans" by G. Coubert represents the scene of a burial in context rural and with this work the thematic popular. In the work entitled "The stonemasons" the same artist captures the world of workers, a a circumstance that reminds us of the rise of the typical labor movements of the time and the ideals own of

In "El Angelus" by J. F Millet represents a peasant couple who for a few minutes decide to say a prayer and with this work they communicate the traditional values ​​of the rural world, especially the dignity of peasant life. In "Las gleaners" the same artist represents three women who work in the fields and in her the warm atmosphere of summer is transmitted.

The works of Coubert or Millet describe everyday scenes of humble people and situations of misery and exploitation. The images of his creations are a reflection of what they saw around him.

Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, two examples of Mexican realism

Some Mexican painters of the 20th century have been eminently realistic at some stage of their creative activity. Among them, we can highlight Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Diego Rivera's realism is highlighted in his murals with social themes ("Liberación del peón" and "Caña de Azúcar" are two representative examples).

Frida Kahlo considered herself a realist artist and this dimension is evident in works such as "Self-portrait in a dress velvet "or" Frida and Diego "(Diego's name refers precisely to Diego Rivera, who for years was the sentimental partner of Frida Kahlo).

Photos: Fotolia - chrisdorney / Teabrew