APEURO: Unit 7, 19th-Century Perspectives, Political Developments - Realism and Impressionism in Art

Why This Matters

Realism and Impressionism in Art emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the Industrial Revolution and the rise of urbanization. This artistic movement reflected the changing values and perceptions of society, particularly in Europe and the United States. By examining Realism and Impressionism, students can gain insight into the AP theme of Change and Continuity over Time, as these artistic movements demonstrate how art and culture adapt to societal shifts. Understanding Realism and Impressionism also highlights the tension between traditional and modern values, a recurring theme in AP History.

Key Events & People

• Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863): A French Romantic painter who influenced the development of Realism, emphasizing the emotional and expressive qualities of art.
• Gustave Courbet (1819-1877): A French painter who pioneered Realism, focusing on everyday life and the struggles of the working class.
• Claude Monet (1840-1926): A French painter who led the Impressionist movement, capturing the fleeting effects of light and color.
• Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919): A French painter who, along with Monet, developed the Impressionist style, emphasizing the beauty of everyday life.
• Edgar Degas (1834-1917): A French painter and sculptor who, although initially associated with Impressionism, developed a more realistic and formal style.
• The Salon des Refusés (1863): An exhibition in Paris that showcased works rejected by the official Salon, highlighting the tension between traditional and modern art.
• The Impressionist Exhibition (1874): A groundbreaking exhibition in Paris that introduced Impressionist art to the public, marking a significant shift in artistic values.
• The Barbizon School (1830s-1870s): A group of French painters who emphasized the beauty of the natural world and the lives of rural people.
• The Hudson River School (1820s-1870s): A group of American landscape painters who emphasized the beauty of the natural world and the American wilderness.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The rise of urbanization and industrialization in Europe and the United States led to a growing sense of alienation and disconnection from traditional values.
• Effect: This led to a shift in artistic values, with artists seeking to represent everyday life and the struggles of the working class.
• Long-term consequence: The development of Realism and Impressionism paved the way for future artistic movements, such as Expressionism and Cubism.

Essential Vocabulary

• Realism: A artistic movement that emphasizes the accurate and detailed representation of everyday life.
  • Example: Gustave Courbet's painting "The Stone Breakers" (1849) is a classic example of Realism, depicting the struggles of two laborers.
• Impressionism: An artistic movement that emphasizes the fleeting effects of light and color.
  • Example: Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise" (1872) is the origin of the term "Impressionism," capturing the fleeting effects of light on the horizon.
• Salon des Refusés: An exhibition in Paris that showcased works rejected by the official Salon.
  • Example: The Salon des Refusés in 1863 featured works by artists such as Édouard Manet and Gustave Courbet, highlighting the tension between traditional and modern art.
• Barbizon School: A group of French painters who emphasized the beauty of the natural world and the lives of rural people.
  • Example: Théodore Rousseau's painting "The Forest of Fontainebleau" (1850) is a classic example of the Barbizon School, capturing the beauty of the natural world.
• Hudson River School: A group of American landscape painters who emphasized the beauty of the natural world and the American wilderness.
  • Example: Thomas Cole's painting "The Oxbow" (1836) is a classic example of the Hudson River School, capturing the beauty of the American wilderness.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: Confusing Realism with Impressionism.
• Correction: Realism emphasizes the accurate and detailed representation of everyday life, while Impressionism emphasizes the fleeting effects of light and color.
• What students often get wrong: Believing that the Impressionist Exhibition was the first exhibition of Impressionist art.
• Correction: The Salon des Refusés in 1863 was the first exhibition to showcase Impressionist art, although the Impressionist Exhibition in 1874 was the first dedicated exhibition of Impressionist art.
• What students often get wrong: Thinking that the Barbizon School and the Hudson River School were the same movement.
• Correction: The Barbizon School was a group of French painters, while the Hudson River School was a group of American landscape painters.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of art in reflecting and shaping societal values during the mid-19th century. Be sure to include specific examples from Realism and Impressionism.
  • Evidence: Gustave Courbet's painting "The Stone Breakers" (1849), Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise" (1872), and the Salon des Refusés (1863).
• Possible essay prompt: Compare and contrast the artistic values of the Barbizon School and the Hudson River School. Be sure to include specific examples from each movement.
  • Evidence: Théodore Rousseau's painting "The Forest of Fontainebleau" (1850), Thomas Cole's painting "The Oxbow" (1836), and the Barbizon School's emphasis on the beauty of the natural world.
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the impact of industrialization and urbanization on artistic values during the mid-19th century. Be sure to include specific examples from Realism and Impressionism.
  • Evidence: Gustave Courbet's painting "The Stone Breakers" (1849), Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise" (1872), and the rise of urbanization in Europe and the United States.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the primary focus of Realism in art?
   • Correct answer: The accurate and detailed representation of everyday life.
   • Explanation: Realism emphasized the representation of everyday life, often focusing on the struggles of the working class.
2. Who was the leader of the Impressionist movement?
   • Correct answer: Claude Monet.
   • Explanation: Monet was a key figure in the development of Impressionism, capturing the fleeting effects of light and color in his paintings.
3. What was the name of the exhibition that showcased works rejected by the official Salon?
   • Correct answer: The Salon des Refusés.
   • Explanation: The Salon des Refusés in 1863 featured works by artists such as Édouard Manet and Gustave Courbet, highlighting the tension between traditional and modern art.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The term "Impressionism" was coined by art critic Louis Leroy in 1874.
• The Barbizon School was a group of French painters who emphasized the beauty of the natural world and the lives of rural people.
• The Hudson River School was a group of American landscape painters who emphasized the beauty of the natural world and the American wilderness.
• Gustave Courbet's painting "The Stone Breakers" (1849) is a classic example of Realism.
• Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise" (1872) is the origin of the term "Impressionism."
• The Salon des Refusés in 1863 featured works by artists such as Édouard Manet and Gustave Courbet.
• The Impressionist Exhibition in 1874 was the first dedicated exhibition of Impressionist art.
• The Barbizon School and the Hudson River School were two separate artistic movements.
• Realism and Impressionism emerged as a response to the Industrial Revolution and the rise of urbanization.