Week 5

Realism and Impressionism

Portrait of Lucie Berard (Child in White), c. 1883, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. — © artic.edu

Since the 19^th century was marked by revolutions, art tended to follow suit and resulted in an intense realistic style. Realism included aspects of social awareness, satire, and direct observation of nature. Unlike the drama of Romanticism, it was the quiet moments of dignity that were depicted. Social class separations were criticized and political leaders were caricatured. Lithography became the most widely used print medium because of its ability to be reproduced in large numbers, cheaply and quickly. Photography also came to the forefront as a new way to produce portraiture. Eventually, artists recognized its potential as an art form. Architecture made huge strides with the invention of iron and steel, allowing such structures as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, and the Wainwright Building to be built.

In a radical departure, Impressionism didn't respond to world events at all. In fact, Impressionist artists preferred everyday subjects viewed within their natural light. Critics despised their work for its frivolousness and sketchy, unfinished appearance. Artists like Monet, Degas, and Renoir were more concerned with composition that was influenced by photography, and the play of light and shadows. Portable oil paints sold in tubes had been invented and allowed artists to paint outside instead of sketching and painting inside a studio. Two female artists, Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot, worked steadily in the Impressionist style with much success.

Weekly Objectives

Examine works of art.
Investigate the meanings of the artworks encompassed by this period.
Distinguish one style from another and trace the stylistic development.

Activities

Readings

Adams: Art Across Time
- Chapter 21: Nineteenth-Century Realism
- Chapter 22: Nineteenth-Century Impressionism

Class Activities

Begin work on the Final Paper.

Before posting on the discussion, visit the following websites:

Activities

Discussion 5
Quiz 4

Video Lecture: Monet's Series

Select the play icon, or use the Enter key to watch the video.

A transcript of Monet Series video is available.

Review Sheet: Nineteenth Century Realism

Chapter 21

Be familiar with these artists, works, or concepts:

Realism
Millet’s The Gleaners
Bonheur’s Horse Fair
Courbet’s The Stone Breakers
Daumier and satire and his Third Class Carriage
Media: Lithography
Photography: Camera Obscura and Daguerreotypes
Mathew Brady
Eakins
Manet and his Le Dejeuner sur l’herbe
Brooklyn Bridge
Crystal Palace
Statue of Liberty
Eiffel Tower
Wainwright Building

Please note: This is not a comprehensive list of what will be covered on the quiz; it merely highlights the most significant works and concepts in the chapter.

Review Sheet: Nineteenth Century Impressionism

Chapter 22

Be familiar with these artists, works, or concepts:

Impressionism
Place de l’Etoile
Garnier’s Paris Opera House
Japanese Woodblock Prints
Hokusai’s Great Wave of Kanagawa
Manet and his A Bar at the Folies-Bergere
Renoir’s Moulin de la Galette
Muybridge’s Galloping Horse
Mary Cassatt
Morisot’s The Cradle
Monet and his Impression: Sunrise, Water Lily Pond, and Rouen Cathedral
Rodin and his The Thinker
Homer
Sargent
Whistler’s Arrangement in Black and Gray

Please note: This is not a comprehensive list of what will be covered on the quiz; it merely highlights the most significant works and concepts in the chapter.