Preferences and Perspectives - The Romantic Era

Two influential art movements of the 19th century provide unique perspectives on representing the world through art. I will discuss the key differences between Impressionism and Realism, as well as the artists who embraced these styles and created many magnificent works during the 1800s.

Impressionism

Impressionism is an art movement that was born from the traditional form of Realism. However, painters focused heavily on portraying the world as it actually was, without adding any form of coloration, perspective or other elements that impeded the natural imagery one would see with the naked eye.

Realism

Realism was also known as naturalism as many of the painters during this time period turned their sights toward natural settings instead of the various forms of social interactions and daily life that most Impressionists would later use as subject matter.

Differences

The main differences between impressionism and realism is that impressionism aimed to capture the essence of the object and it is relationship with light whereas realism was an attempt to represent subject matter accurately and truthfully particularly ordinary everyday life.

               Claude Monet, Cliff Walk at Pourville, 1882

               Jean-Francois Millet, The Gleaners, 1875

One of the famous artists who mastered the Impressionism style was Claude Monet. He painted "The Cliff Walk at Pourville" in a seaside resort in northwestern France along the English Channel in 1882. In this painting, Monet captures an experience that many of us still enjoy today: taking a vacation by the seaside, walking along the clifftops, feeling the wind, and gazing out at the sea. 

Unlike traditional portraiture, Impressionist painters focused on landscapes, and this painting exemplifies that technique. Monet uses vibrant and bright colors, depicts the vertical features of the rocks to mimic the figures, and employs loose brushstrokes to create movement and atmosphere. Overall, this painting beautifully conveys the essence of its setting.

In Jean-François Millet's renowned painting "The Gleaners," created in 1857, the distinction from Impressionism is striking. Millet employs precise and detailed representations to capture the essence of everyday life, focusing on women who collect leftover grain in the fields after the harvest. This artwork powerfully illustrates the harsh realities of that era, emphasizing how families did everything possible to ensure food on the table. It serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by the impoverished in developing countries, who battle for survival daily. The painting's muted colors and horizon lines accentuate the rounded backs of the gleaners, creating a compelling visual narrative that demands attention.

              Auguste Renior, Luncheon of the Boating Party, 1880-81

            Gustave Courbet, The Meeting, 1854

Another remarkable artist who mastered the Impressionist style is Auguste Renoir. His iconic painting, "Luncheon of the Boating Party," was created between 1880 and 1881 in Paris. This artwork vividly captures an urban scene at a restaurant located just a half-hour train ride from the city. Renoir effectively portrays the vibrancy of city life, where people gather to enjoy leisurely lunches with friends. His open brushwork and soft contours are definitive traits of Impressionism, setting his work apart from others.

In stark contrast is Gustave Courbet's "The Meeting," painted in 1854, which exemplifies realism. This piece presents a detailed depiction of a group of individuals, characterized by subdued and naturalistic colors and lighting. Courbet asserted his presence by including his own portrait, challenging traditional notions of appearance and self-representation. This choice underscores a fundamental truth: many individuals, myself included, are deeply concerned about how we are perceived.

I firmly believe that owning "The Gleaners" and "The Cliff Work at Pourville" would be incredibly meaningful. When I observe "The Gleaners", I am struck by the profound loneliness that accompanies such poverty, where one is left with nothing but leftovers. Likewise, "The Cliff Work at Pourville", with its depiction of someone standing atop a cliff and gazing at the ocean, evokes a deep, poignant sadness in me. These paintings deserve to be showcased in a restaurant that features jazz music, creating a truly enriching atmosphere.

Bibliography

Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, "Auguste Renoir, Luncheon of the Boating Party," in Smarthistory, November 12, 2015, accessed October 28, 2024, https://smarthistory.org/renoir-luncheon-of-the-boating-party/

 

Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, "Gustave Courbet, Bonjour Monsieur Courbet," in Smarthistory, August 9, 2015, accessed October 28, 2024, https://smarthistory.org/courbet-bonjour-monsieur-courbet/

 

 Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, "Jean-François Millet, The Gleaners," in Smarthistory, November 18, 2015, accessed October 28, 2024, https://smarthistory.org/millet-the-gleaners/

 

Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris, "Claude Monet, Cliff Walk at Pourville," in Smarthistory, December 4, 2015, accessed October 28, 2024, https://smarthistory.org/claude-monet-cliff-walk-at-pourville/.

Artst. “Impressionism vs Realism - What’s the Difference?” Artst, 29 Dec. 2023, www.artst.org/impressionism-vs-realism/.