Major Art Movements: From Realism to Fauvism

Painting

Courbet and Realism in the 19th Century

Realism succeeded the mid-realistic style to Romanticism. The main theme was to focus on hard work and reflect the social conditions of the poor. The composition is balanced with a frieze, with two figures on either side. In depth, there are two planes: the first is behind the figures, and the second is the landscape plane. The figures are illuminated and are the protagonists. The painting uses a subdued palette to reflect poverty. The artist does not want to represent anyone in particular, but rather the proletariat, contributing anonymously. Elements are used to show history; the child's objects are important. The line drawing is very well marked.

Architecture

Gaudí and Modernist Architecture

Modernist architecture emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It integrated different materials, such as brick and ceramics, and used *trencadís* to give polychromy to the building. The predominance of the curved line is inspired by animal and vegetable forms, especially floral themes. Constructively, it was influenced by historical styles like Gothic and Mudéjar. The function of the building is the entrance to the Finca Güell, commissioned by the famous banker Güell.

Sculpture

Rodin and Impressionism in Sculpture

Rodin's style is Impressionistic, though it is a style of painting, but late 19th-century sculpture in bronze. Inspired by Michelangelo, he raises a construction from a rough part where he creates another figure. The posture of the figure is in *s*corzo. He positions the figure to reflect light onto its surface. His characters have a very accomplished anatomical study. He reflects all complex anatomical positions, showing the quality of the sculptor. Rodin represents a major step from traditional sculpture to modern sculpture.

Post-Impressionism

Gauguin and the Beginnings of Fauvism

In the late 19th century, Gauguin started a new trend: Fauvism. He used very lively colors, happily anticipating the avant-garde of the 20th century. In Fauvism, colors are used more clearly, changing the colors of the site. The first forms are simplified and synthesized. There is a taste for the primitive. Colors change in the plane. Gauguin's show began in France and then went to Britain.

Realism

Realists rejected romantic themes and focused on current issues and everyday scenes, such as those of the lower working class. They shunned the idealization of the bourgeoisie and wanted to show reality as objectively as possible, including vulgar themes and misery. They used large formats and based their work on direct observation of reality. In sculpture, Realism approached Impressionism.

Constantin Meunier (1831)

Born in a humble region of Belgium, Meunier came from a mining family. He transitioned from painting to sculpture in bronze, with the labor force as the protagonist. He transmitted the dignity of the working class and was an art teacher in Belgium.

Realistic Painting (1850-1885)

Realistic painting showed everyday life in objective characters and situations. *The Burial at Ornans* (1849-1850) is static, with a frieze composition in the manner of traditional naturalism. The technique is influenced by the Baroque. It appears to be a social scene, the performance of an obligation rather than a religious event. There is no religious assistance.

Edgar Degas (1834-1917)

Degas was very realistic, playing with black and white tones softly, and left behind the contour. His themes softened the social activities of the bourgeoisie, such as horse races, dance, and the world of theater.

Architecture in the 19th Century

New materials like cast iron and new techniques like prefabrication created unthinkable spaces using iron and crystal. The Coalbrookdale Bridge in England (1777-1779) was the first iron bridge.

Cubism

Pablo Picasso

Based in Paris, Pablo Picasso was interested in primitive art, especially African sculpture. He broke with the traditional monofocal perspective, capturing the subject from different points of view. He used a limited palette, reacting against Fauvism.

Phases of Pablo Picasso

1. Proto-Cubist Period (1907-1909): *Les Demoiselles d'Avignon*
2. Analytical or Hermetic Period (1909-1912): Decomposes the subject into as many planes as points of view.
3. Synthetic Period (1912-1914): Makes a selection of views, reducing them to a few.

Impressionism (1847-1886)

Impressionism aimed to paint reality as perceived by the senses, capturing changes in light. Light is the protagonist, and models vary in color. Millet and Daumier used engravings and lithographs to criticize the bourgeoisie through cartoons.

Fauvism

Fauvism emerged from Pointillism and Post-Impressionism. It is characterized by subjective treatment of color, vibrant tones, strong expressiveness, thick brushstrokes, and altered traditional perspective.

Key Fauvist Artists

• Matisse
• Derain
• Vlaminck