The realism movement was the first modern movement of art; beginning in France in the 1840s, it lasted until the 1880s. This movement is characterized by the portrayal of structure socially, politically, economically, as well as culturally. Artists contributing to the movement were mainly doing so to defy the social values of the bourgeoisie and the monarchy, the members of which patronized artists and set rigorous standards for art; historical painting was considered the zenith of art and as such only the best, most qualified artists were allowed to produce work in that genre. Artists soon began to host independent exhibitions to display their work, and this led to the normalization of artists as self-publicists that we see still today.
Symphony in White, No.1: The White Girl (1862) by James Abbott Whistler
Tina by Aleksander Balos
This portrait is a contemporary painting in the style of realism done by Aleksander Balos. Balos' work is similar to the Whistler's, pictured above, because both portray a visually accurate representation of human being. They both use the 'real' proportions of the human body and do not exaggerate shadow or light; these artists have both been meticulous in presenting to the viewer a real snapshot of their subject. Although these two pieces are similar, I find I am drawn to the work by Balos more; there is much more contrast in his piece than in the one by Whistler, and also more emotion. In Whistler's, I find it's rather bland.
