HUM 2020 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Industrial Revolution, Dead Confederate, The Gross Clinic
Document Summary
Part 10: realism and the modern age (late 1800s) chapter 13. Social theories for modern society: bentham and john stuart mill: utilitarianism, pleasure principle = moral system for modern society, morality = what produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number. What is realism" in art: realism vs idealism: the world presented as is , not beautified or demonized, artist as social critic : optimism of enlightenment replaces by straight" realism. Facts chosen for greatest impact on audience w/correction stated or implied. Realism in the visual arts: manet, luncheon on the grass (1863) (p353): ordinary middle class subjects. Nude = personal freedom: eakins, the gross clinic (p354): uncensored, unromantic representation of medical treatment. Realism in photography: photography: recorded physical world with unaltered accuracy. Challenged role of artist for protest or documentary: matthew brady, dead confederate soldier at petersburg (1865): harsh realities of warfare.
