Core Differences in Approach and Goals
Impressionist paintings differ from realism primarily in their focus and execution. Realism, emerging in the mid-19th century, aims to depict subjects as they appear in everyday life with precise, objective detail, emphasizing social truths and accuracy in representation. In contrast, Impressionism, which arose in the 1870s, prioritizes capturing fleeting impressions of light, color, and atmosphere over meticulous detail, often portraying modern urban or natural scenes in a more subjective, perceptual manner.
Key Techniques and Styles
Realist artists employ tight brushwork, fine lines, and a subdued color palette to achieve photorealistic effects, focusing on texture and form to mirror reality closely. Impressionists, however, use loose, visible brushstrokes, vibrant colors applied directly to the canvas, and an emphasis on optical mixing of colors, often painting en plein air (outdoors) to seize momentary effects of sunlight and movement, resulting in a softer, more fragmented appearance.
Practical Example: Comparing Works
Consider Gustave Courbet's 'The Stone Breakers' (1849), a realist painting that realistically portrays laborers in harsh, detailed conditions to highlight social issues, with earthy tones and solid forms. In comparison, Claude Monet's 'Impression, Sunrise' (1872) depicts a harbor scene with quick, dappled brushstrokes and luminous blues and oranges to evoke the transient morning light, prioritizing sensory experience over narrative depth.
Historical Importance and Applications
These movements shaped modern art: Realism challenged academic ideals by democratizing subject matter, influencing social commentary in visual arts. Impressionism revolutionized perception in painting, paving the way for abstraction and modernism by valuing personal sensation over imitation, and its techniques remain influential in contemporary landscape and urban art practices.