Realism

In a nutshell Realism was the mid 19th century European art and Literature movement that was stems from the 1848 French Revolution. The movement was a reaction against Romantic and Classical idealisation, and favoured them of everyday life and ordinary social settings.



 Jean Francois Millet Sheperdess with her Flock

 

Source:

 

http://www.nga.gov/collection/sfp/noflash/realism/1941_6_1.htm