realisms

Realisms is a broad term used in philosophy and art to describe theories or artistic movements that emphasize representing subjects truthfully and objectively, without artificiality or exotic embellishments. In philosophy, it generally refers to the view that reality exists independently of our minds, perceptions, or conceptual schemes. This contrasts with idealism, which posits that reality is fundamentally mental or dependent on consciousness.

In art, realisms emerged as a reaction against Romanticism and Neoclassicism. Artists and writers associated with realism sought to depict everyday life, ordinary people, and contemporary social issues with accuracy and detail. They rejected idealized or heroic subjects in favor of the mundane, the common, and often the gritty aspects of human existence. This movement gained prominence in the mid-19th century, with notable figures in literature like Gustave Flaubert and Honoré de Balzac, and in painting such as Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet.

Within realism, various sub-movements and interpretations exist. Naturalism, for instance, is a more extreme form that often applies scientific principles to the portrayal of human behavior, viewing individuals as products of their environment and heredity. Social realism focuses on depicting the struggles of the working class and the underprivileged, often with a critical or reformist agenda. Despite these variations, the core tenet of realisms remains the faithful representation of the world as it is perceived, eschewing romanticized or fantastical elements. The aim is to create an authentic reflection of life.