Explore Realism and Impressionism – Two Iconic Art Movements that Transformed the Art World
Realism and Impressionism are two pivotal art movements that forever changed the course of art history. Realism, emerging in the mid-19th century, sought to depict everyday life with accuracy and detail, often focusing on the lives of ordinary people, as seen in the works of artists like Gustave Courbet. In contrast, Impressionism, led by pioneers such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, broke away from the strict attention to detail, favoring loose brushwork, light effects, and a focus on fleeting moments. Impressionists captured the world as it appeared in a transient moment, often painting en plein air (outdoors). Together, these movements challenged academic norms and laid the foundation for modern art.