Realism is an art movement that emerged in the mid-19th century and has been a prominent style ever since. It is characterized by its focus on everyday objects and figures, as well as its attention to detail and accurate representation of the subject. Realism is often seen as a modern art form, but it has its roots in antiquity.
The realistic style of art was first seen in the works of Ancient Greek artists who sought to accurately depict their subjects. Their works were highly detailed and often contained elements of nature, such as trees and animals. This tradition continued through the Renaissance when artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo used realism to create lifelike figures that were incredibly accurate.
Realism was at its height during the 19th century when artists such as Gustave Courbet, Jean-François Millet, and Honoré Daumier created highly detailed works that captured everyday scenes with incredible accuracy. These works often depicted scenes from peasant life, which had previously been overlooked by most artists. This was a radical shift from the grandiose paintings of royalty and religious figures that had dominated previous centuries.
Realism continued to be popular through the 20th century with many modernists creating realistic works that focused on everyday life or mundane objects. Photorealist painters such as Chuck Close and Richard Estes sought to create highly detailed paintings that were indistinguishable from photographs while other artists such as Alice Neel focused on creating portraits of real people in everyday settings.
In conclusion, realism can be seen as a modern art form due to its emphasis on everyday scenes or objects and its focus on accurate representation of the subject matter. However, it also has roots in antiquity and can be seen throughout history in various forms. No matter how it is defined, realism has been an important part of art for centuries and will continue to have an influence for years to come. Is Realism a Modern Art? Yes, Realism can be considered a modern art form due to its emphasis on everyday scenes or objects and attention to detail in accurately representing subjects from all walks of life.