What is the difference between realism and naturalism in art?

Philosophy Of Art Questions



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What is the difference between realism and naturalism in art?

Realism and naturalism are two distinct artistic movements that emerged in the 19th century. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two.

Realism in art aims to depict subjects as they appear in reality, without any idealization or exaggeration. Realist artists strive for accuracy and detail, often focusing on everyday life and ordinary people. They seek to capture the objective truth and present it in a straightforward manner. Realism emerged as a reaction against the romanticism of the previous era, which emphasized imagination and emotion.

On the other hand, naturalism in art takes realism a step further by emphasizing the scientific observation of nature and human behavior. Naturalist artists aim to depict the world as it is, but they also explore the underlying forces and influences that shape it. They often delve into social issues, portraying the harsh realities of life and the impact of environment and heredity on individuals. Naturalism is influenced by the scientific theories of the time, such as Darwin's theory of evolution.

In summary, while both realism and naturalism strive to depict reality, realism focuses on accurate representation without idealization, while naturalism delves deeper into the scientific observation of nature and human behavior, exploring social issues and underlying forces.