For this class we discussed Realism, which is characterized by its focus on reproducing reality and its life like depictions. The first painting we look at was The Sower, by Jean-François Mille. The positioning of the figure and the angle at which he is viewed creates a sense of importance surrounding the figure. Notably his face is obscured, signaling that he is representative of the peasant class as a whole, rather than a specific individual. This painting also draws into focus an important feature of many works of Realism, which is a political message. The painting depicts the importance of the “rural working class.” We also spoke about Gustave Courbet, and looked at his painting, The Stone-Breakers. The painting portrays a father and son preforming backbreaking manual labor. They are dressed in rags and out-dated clothing to highlight their class status. Much like in The Sower, both figures’ faces are obscured. Additionally, the painting serves as a message of the exploitation of the working class.