Realism
Artists sought to address the issues of embellishment and distortion prevalent in other artistic movements by depicting life as it truly is, without alterations. Realists, such as “John Constable” and “Gustave Courbet,” believed that beauty resides in the complete truth of the world. They produced classic artworks that reflect the essence of still nature.
Symbolism
The characteristics of the Symbolist movement began to emerge around 1887, following an era when art had been saturated by the materialistic culture stemming from industrial wealth, which lacked imagination and sensitivity. Artists responded to this encroaching materialism by revitalizing aesthetic spirit and moral values in their works. Notable figures leading this movement were artists like “Gauguin” and “Gustave Moreau,” who are credited with significantly contributing to the foundation of this school of thought.
Fauvism
Fauvism concentrated on portraying the pleasures and luxuries of life, expressing comfort and opulence through a distinctive artistic style different from that of preceding artists. The works of Fauvists such as “Henri Matisse” and “André Derain” showcased vibrant, audacious colors. It is not uncommon to see tree trunks enveloped in brilliant yellow or vivid purple hues. Additionally, these paintings featured flat shapes outlined with bold lines.
Cubism
The emergence of Cubism in 1907 marked a transformative moment in the history of visual arts. This avant-garde movement was not only about innovation in forms and techniques but also represented a fundamental shift in the essence of artwork. Cubist pieces were characterized by basic compositions of single elements, depicted from multiple perspectives, giving them a distinctly geometric appearance. The focus shifted from classical subjects related solely to nature to the human form and its achievements, alongside the tools it employs.
Expressionism
One of the primary principles underpinning the Expressionist movement is the artist’s personal interpretation of the world and everything within it, liberated from the generalized perceptions of objects. This approach deliberately avoids precise and accurate representation, instead opting for a more emotive portrayal. Expressionism came to prominence in the early twentieth century.