Art: Realism and Idealism

Question 1

Define: Realism

Example: Kritian Boy (Circa 480 BC)

Answer 1

The accurate, detailed, unembellished depiction of nature or of contemporary life. Realism rejects imaginative idealization in favour of a close observation of outward appearances. As such, realism in its broad sense has comprised many artistic currents in different civilizations.

Question 2

Define: Idealism

Example: Riace Bronzes (Circa 460-430 BC)

Answer 2

Idealism encourages imagination and attempts to realize a mental conception of beauty, a standard of perfection. Juxtaposed to aesthetic naturalism and realism.