Realism was an art movement that emerged in the mid-19th century in France as a reaction against Romanticism. The Realists sought to depict the world as it really was, without the idealization that had characterized previous art movements. They believed that art should not only entertain but also educate and uplift the viewer, and that this goal could best be achieved by depicting reality in its most unflinching and truthful form. Realist artists often portrayed the lives of ordinary people, especially the working class, and were interested in the social implications of their subjects.

Realism became popular in other parts of Europe and the United States in the second half of the 19th century. Some of the major Realist artists include Gustave Courbet, Jean-Francois Millet, and Honore Daumier, who all created works that depicted the lives of ordinary people, including peasants, laborers, and even beggars. Although the movement declined in the late 19th century, its influence can still be seen in modern art, particularly in the Social Realism of the early 20th century and the documentary photography of the mid-20th century.

The movement is characterized by its focus on depicting real life and representing the world around us as truthfully and accurately as possible. Realism artists sought to capture everyday life and portray it in their art, often choosing ordinary subjects such as landscapes, portraits, and still life paintings.

Realism also emphasized the use of light and color in a way that was true to life. Artists paid special attention to the way light fell on objects and how that affected the colors and shadows they created. They also focused on creating depth and perspective by carefully organizing the composition of their paintings, using techniques like linear perspective to create the illusion of three-dimensional space. Realism, therefore, emphasized the importance of capturing the details and nuances of the real world in a way that was truthful and objective.