In today’s lecture, we shifted toward the realist movement and various works produced in the period. Realism was often made to convey some form of social commentary regarding the piece or current events, which makes each Realist work fascinating to delve into and find the hidden meaning. It was very interesting to look at Bonheur’s Plowing the Nivernais, a fascinating piece that looks so photorealistic it’s almost surprising that it’s a painting.
We discussed the method of lithography, using a piece by Honoré Daumier, another commentary on the current events in France at the time. We then moved to another interesting painting, Snap the Whip by Winslow Homer. The painting provides a look into a childish game popular at the time, while also commenting on the rapidly urbanizing and industrializing American population.