Realism and Impressionism in art history

Realism and Impressionism

Throughout history, art is used to talk about contemporary problems and views within society. As it is, a reflection of these values and the changes that is taking place. The revolution that occurred with realism and impressionism (during the Industrial Revolution), is just one sign of how this transformed the art world. To fully understand the way this took place requires comparing four works from the artists of: Monet, Renoir and Manet. Once this occurs, it will provide specific insights as to how their paintings are a reflection of the life and times of this era.

Monet

Claude Monet took a unique approach to his paintings. What happened was he concentrated on his subjects through what is known as the use of light and colors. This is when he would utilize various hues to make his painting have an element of emotional realism. Once this occurs, is the point that these works will leave an impression on the individual about a larger issue. Four good examples of this can be seen by looking no further than: Impression at Sunrise, The Boardwalk at Trouville, The Artists in the Family Garden and Argenteuil (Red Boats). ("Impression at Sunrise," 2011) ("The Boardwalk on the Beach,") ("The Artists Family in the Garden," 2011) ("Argenteuil," 2011)

In each one of these painting Monet, is using color to illustrate some kind of underlying theme about society and the changes that are taking place. In the Impression at Sunrise and the Boardwalk at Trouville he is using glossy colors to contrast two different worlds. As the Impression at Sunrise, is showing the beginning of a new day by capturing how fishermen are leaving the harbor. While in the Boardwalk at Trouville, Monet is talking about how these kinds of transformations are occurring with the changes of the landscape to reflect new realities. The Artists in the Family Garden is showing how society is still somewhat simple by depicting the subjects in the canvas in a relaxed setting. This is similar to Argenteuil (Red Boats), as it is highlighting how the changes are occurring slowly over time. These works are important, because they are showing how Monet is using realism through the subjects and objects he was painting. While impressionism, was embraced through the use of color and texture of the canvases. ("Impression at Sunrise," 2011) ("The Boardwalk on the Beach,") ("The Artists Family in the Garden," 2011) ("Argenteuil," 2011)

Renoir

Renoir was taking a similar kind of approach by incorporating impressionism and realism together. Four works that are illustrating these different ideas include: Dance at the Moulin De La Galette, the Spring Bouquet, Claude Monet Painting in his Garden at Argenteul and the Dance at Bougival. In all of these works, Renoir is trying to grab the emotions of the viewer by using brighter colors and texts to bring out the various features of subjects. At the same time, he is focusing on: actual places, people and events. Evidence of the can be seen with the Spring Bouquet, as he is using these concept to highlight the beauty of the flowers and the vase. This helps to give everyone a sense of appreciation about what they are seeing. While the Dance at the Moulin De La Galette, Claude Monet Painting in his Garden at Argenteul and the Dance at Bougival are all illustrating a sense of realism (based on the subject matter) along with impressionism (through the use of colors / texts). These elements are important they are showing how Renoir is using impressionism to add more emotions and feelings to his art. While he is simultaneously, focusing on real subjects and events. This is giving his work that sense of realism. ("Dance at the Moulin," 2011) ("Spring Bouquet," 2011) ("Claude Monet Painting," 2011) ("Dance at Bougival," 2011)

Manet