Art of the 19th Century: Romanticism, Realism, and the

Academic Tradition

Chapter 20

The Rise of Modernism

The “modern” era of art history coincides with

three revolutions:

Political revolutions in America and France, resulting in

democratic governments.

The Industrial Revolution starting in England, resulting in

new inexpensive products including oil paint in a tube.

The Scientific Revolution (part of the Enlightenment) in

which Church authority questioned, “reason” the basis of

authority.

Romanticism: Art that celebrates nature, illustrates exotic and

ordinary people, as well as shows the irrational side of human

nature. Expressive brushwork, oftentimes splashes of

saturated color.

Realism: Art that explores the subjects of everyday life, the

countryside, and/or the plight of the lower class as they

actually appeared. Oftentimes political.

Honore

Daumier, The

Third Class

Carriage,

Figure 19-12

Gustave Courbet, The Stonebreakers,

oil on canvas, 1849-1850 Figure 20.11

Academic Art of the 19th Century: art officially endorsed by

the French Government and Salon (school) that was

sentimental, had a smooth finish, and mild eroticism and/or

was overly sweet. Featured subjects of history or myth.

Top: Cabanel’s Birth of Venus. Right: Bougereau, Cupid

and Psyche’s First Kiss.

Which work takes a modern approach? Which

work takes an academic approach to painting?

Manet, Luncheon on the Grass, oil on canvas, 1863, Figure 20.17

Manet, Olympia. Oil on Canvas, 1863.

Although Manet never considered himself

an Impressionist, we will see he was a great

influence on the next art historical

movement we will explore…