Realism vs. Impressionism

What is realism? Realism is defined as the quality or fact of representing a person, thing, or situation accurately in a way that is true to life. Impressionism is similar as it seeks to re-create a specific scene of normal life but is much more romanticized. Both styles seek to portray life as it truly is but impressionism has a sentimental aspect to it, unlike realism. Realism strives to show exactly what they know and see through paintings, engravings or photographs and as clean and crisply as they can. On the other hand, impressionists want to paint only what they see, leaving out what they know. They did this with short brush strokes, unclean line and blended colors reflecting natural light. When looking at Realism and Impressionism, it is easy to see how serious Realism is and how sentimental and romantic Impressionism is, despite having the same goal. One particular artist who would be categorized as a Realist is Winslow Homer. His engraving The War for the Union, 1862- A Bayonet Charge is a great example of taking an event and portraying as closely as he can how war was. Many of his artworks display life in the natural, non-exaggerated. The work of Realists seeks to provide the most naturalistic form of life, while the work of Impressionists portrays normal life in a sentimental way with the viewer. 

Claude Monet, Garden at Sainte – Adresse, 1867

Oil on Canvas, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 67.241

This artwork by Claude Monet is an excellent example of Impressionistic work. With ships sailing on the water and people relaxing in their garden it depicts the normal life of the upper class. There is a sense of happiness within the picture, brought about by the vibrant and cheerful color. Flowers outline the garden, which give the viewer a joyful feeling. Monet does a tremendous job of portraying the standard life within the picture but still having a sentimental connection with the viewer.

Claude Monet, La Grenouillère, 1869

Oil on Canvas, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 29.100.112

From people interacting and talking to the life-like reflections on the water this piece is obviously impressionistic. Monet is trying to capture a moment in time. The painting uses light for effect rather than for the object itself. The landscape and leisure activity gives the painting a sense of simplicity and ease. Clearly this picture is showing a real life scenario, however, the composition and brushstrokes show the romantic side of impressionism.

 Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Luncheon of the Boating Party, 1880-1881

 Oil on Canvas, Phillips Collection

Leisure is the central theme of this painting by Renoir and this is the result of modernization and industrialization. There is a romantic feeling about the picture and this is emphasized in the feathery brushstrokes. Renoir is not trying to express symbolism but rather just real life. There is a sense of movement within the artwork. Renoir creates bustling and full life within the painting. This picture not only displays the life of these people but also connects with the viewer in a special way through color. 

Timothy H. O’ Sullivan, A Harvest of Death, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 1863

Albumen silver print from glass negative, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2005.100.1201

Contrary to Monet and Renoir’s work, Timothy O’ Sullivan sought to show the gritty, dirtiness of life. Specifically this is seen in his photographs and the realness they show. This picture stood out as very real and somber. It shows the tragedies of war and the death it brings. Clearly he wants the viewer to see the horror of war and to feel the darkness from the image. Nothing is exaggerated but rather as plain and real as it gets. This photograph is an excellent example of the naturalism portrayed within realism.

 

Alexander Gardner, Burying the Dead on the Battlefield of Antietam, September 1862, 1862

Albumen silver print from glass negative, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1970.537.1

Similar to Timothy O’Sullivan’s work, Alexander Gardner wanted to show people how war and life truly was. This photograph has a sense of dullness and sadness about it. There is nothing cheerful or romantic felt within. The picture is crisp and clean showing the reality of the situation. It draws the viewer in and makes them feel like they are standing next to the weary soldiers. Gardner’s focus was to emphasize the coldness and sorrow found in war. 

Winslow Homer, The War for the Union, 1862-A Bayonet Charge, 1862

 Wood Engraving, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 29.88.3(3)

One of Winslow Homer’s main goals was to portray war and life in the most precise and natural way. This piece clearly shows the horrors and terror found in war. There is nothing sentimental or romantic within this engraving. The composition of the art is very real and makes the viewer feel like he is involved in the fight. The engraving gives off feelings of movement. Since this artwork is not a photograph leaves room for personal bias and meditation. However, Homer viewed his art as a way of displaying real life scenarios. This engraving creates and displays war and life in the way it was leaving out all sentimental aspects.