Realism & Naturalism

     According to what we saw in class, “Realism implied not just the accurate depiction of life, but an interest in down-to-earth everyday subjects” (Robert Atkins, Artspoke); and naturalism went in that direction and also implied that crime and social suffering – subjects that interested the Naturalists very much – had their origins in social conditions (and heredity).

So what are their similarities?

•   They both are basic views of life and humanity 

•   Both of these views came to be in a time around the 19th century, a period known for its trials and turmoil. 

•   Writers focused on the real life situations and avoided God-related topics. 

And what are their differences?

•   Realism showed life as it really was, while naturalism could be perceived a bit more exaggerated. 

•   In Realism the main focus was on the middle class and its problems, and Naturalism focuses into the major drama of that time.

Here are some examples of Realism and Naturalism paintings: