Romanticism Era, Realism v. Romanticism

     In this post, I will compare two forms of art in the romanticism era, one, of course, being romanticism and the other being realism. Looking at their elements and the way artists use colors, brush strokes, and even imagery to display their work in the romantic era. In other words, these works often show real-life events or exaggerate them by romanticizing them. 

Realism

The Gleaners, Jean-Francois Milet

    In this piece, we can see a depiction of three peasants tending the fields. This is an excellent example of realism, as this was the case in the early 1800s. We can see no exaggerated colors; these are real people who existed, ad the colors appear dull and unsaturated. For most, this was a painted description of rural life, a touch of nature sprinkled on the canvas. This can also display the turning of the seasons, as we can see in the browning of the grass and how misty the atmosphere is. However, what I believe can be interpreted from this piece is to give a realistic view of everyday people in poverty. It is not meant to look pretty because being poor isn't pretty. This can provide a stern look for those who may not live under these circumstances. This is intended to look natural and authentic because it is accurate for the people displayed here. 

The End of the Working Day, Jules Breton

    Here is another piece that can be depicted as realism. A great way to distinguish realism from romanticism is how, unlike romanticism, realism is a sense of reality. It offers a realistic look onter certain aspects of life, not to be confused that the people depicted in the painting look natural, but it gives viewers a sense that there are real people who live like this. In this piece here, we can see more rural life, with women working in the fields. As depicted in the title, this is the end of their day. This can also be seen in the angle of the sun. The women look tired and sweaty. They are not meant to look pretty here; they are meant to look dirty and unkempt. 

Romanticism

Posterazzi American Progress, John Gast

        Romanticism is a little bit different than realism. In this piece, it is pretty evident that there is no such things about a giant woman, however, this is the point of the work. It is not meant to be realistic but a figure or a metaphor. This painting depicts the expansion west in the United States. As seen by the cattle and the people walking westward into the unknown.
As you can see east of the landscape is bright and sunny, this is already discovered land where it's comfortable. Now in the west, it's dark, unknown, and unpredictable. This is what romanticism is, an exaggeration of an actual event. The woman in this piece, the main focal point, is supposed to be Columbia. Guiding the American people. 

The Fighting Temeraire, J.M.W. Turner

    Here is another example of romanticism, beautiful landscapes are a common depiction in this style. Exaggerated colors and genital strokes. In this piece, we can see a decline in Britain's navy. Another thing that I noticed is that all parts are very metaphorical. For example, the ship is sailing away from the sunset in this piece, The Fighting Temeraire. As most would depict, if one were celebrating victory, one would typically see victors going towards the sun; the sun could also represent triumph. However, here we see the opposite; this can reflect a significant loss and how the British navy is in decline in success. 

    There are many similarities between these two art forms during the Romantic era. As there are genuine attributes in both, however romanticism, as previously stated, is meant to romanticize certain aspects of life, real-clients. In other words, be poetic in their depictions of these events while going beautiful to even something so dreary. This can also get "a new interest in human psychology, expression of personal feeling and interest in the natural world" (tate.org.uk). These pieces are meant to be dissected and peeled apart, discussing why the artists chose the elements and what message is intended to be sent to the viewers.
On the other hand, realism is intended to bring attention to something. To give others another outlook on a world that may not be theirs or give others a sense of clarity. This realism pieced can provide a harsh view of real life. 

References

“Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers.” Study.com | Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers, https://study.com/learn/lesson/realism-art-movement-examples.html.

Tate. “Romanticism.” Tate, https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/r/romanticism.