French Realism and Its Place in History
Students can gain a greater understanding of 19th century Europe by focusing on French Realism.
By Daniella Garran
The French Realist movement is one of most well-known. French realism represents a time and a place that is significant culturally and historically. The second half of the 19th century in France was characterized by the push for democratic reform in the wake of yet another age of imperial rule. With ever-growing international conflicts, political disagreements and the looming invention of technology, the life captured by the Realists focuses on the middle class and its daily life. A study of the Realist Movement, no matter how brief, can certainly enhance any European history class.
You can open a discussion about Realism by asking students what they would paint if they were charged with capturing a scene from daily life. You can then discuss whether the scene would be different depending on what part of the country or the world they were in. You may choose to have students recreate a Realist’s painting such as Jean Francois Millet’s "Woman with a Rake" or Gustave Courbet’s "Young Ladies of the Village" or paint a scene from modern daily life in the style of Millet or Courbet. It may also be worth discussing whether photography is a more effective way of capturing daily life and whether the Realists would have embraced it or rejected it, based on their principles.
Create a Timeline of the Realist Movement
A good idea is to have students create a timeline representing 19th century France so that they develop an understanding of the events which came both before and after the Realism Movement. Once the significant historic events are included, be sure to add some specific Realist paintings to the timeline so that students can see the evolution of the movement. You may want to refer to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's thematic timeline for help with this task.
Stage a Tableau
Assign students to small groups and have them stage a tableau depicting a famous Realist painting complete with costumes and scenery. Students can then create a brief skit giving life to the scene and a voice to the subjects. Students should be sure to include any relevant information about the history of the painting or the scene in their skits.
Do Research on a Realist Painter
Have students select a Realist painting of their choice to research. They should provide an in-depth analysis of the painting’s subject matter, the artist’s style and the artist’s social, cultural and political background as it relates to the subject matter.
The Realists also influenced their peers, including Vincent Van Gogh. Have students compare and contrast Van Gogh’s "First Steps, After Millet" with Courbet’s "The Stone Breakers" or similar works. Ask students to write a brief essay in which they analyze the two works. You may choose to make the essay thesis-driven so that they must argue that one painting is more effective or visually pleasing than the other.
Upon completion of this lesson or unit, have students “curate” a retrospective of Realist works. The pieces may be either student-made and inspired by the French Realists or copies of the French Realists’ work. Students should write an artist’s statement explaining their work and a catalog may be produced. What follows are more lessons on French Realism.
French Realism Lesson Ideas:
Realistic Impressions: Investigating Movements in the Visual Arts
This lesson is an excellent introduction to understanding different artistic movements. Students become acquainted with Realism and also Impressionism, Neoclassicism, Cubism and Realism. Students learn about what makes a movement and how some movements dedicate their work to depicting a certain subject matter.
The Rural World Seen by Artists 1848-1914
Realism cannot be truly understood unless approached from an interdisciplinary perspective. France’s Musee d’Orsay provides an outstanding framework for students to consider the rural world as subject matter. There are also many excellent opportunities for collaboration with colleagues in the English department and for primary document analysis.
This lesson is a wonderful study and analysis of Victor Hugo’s "Les Misérables." Although perhaps more relevant to an English class, this text certainly paints an accurate picture of nineteenth century France. Students may listen to the music and read excerpts of the novel in order to develop a deeper understanding of the culture and politics of nineteenth century France.