Europe and America 1800 1870 American Realism

Summary

This lecture explores the differences between American and French realism, focusing on the works of Winslow Homer and Thomas Eakins. Homer’s *The Veteran in a New Field* (1865) symbolizes the post-Civil War optimism of America, contrasting with the social critique in French realism, such as the work of Honoré Daumier. Eakins' *The Gross Clinic* (1875) portrays a bloody surgical scene, reflecting American interest in scientific progress and realism’s role in advancing society. The lecture also draws parallels between American realism and Dutch art, emphasizing themes of work ethic, democracy, and progress in both societies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Realism in American art diverged from its French origins, adapting to the unique social and political context of the United States.
• 😀 Winslow Homer’s *The Veteran in a New Field* (1865) symbolizes the peaceful transition from war to post-war life, focusing on veterans returning to productive work.
• 😀 French realism, as seen in artists like Honoré Daumier, often critiqued government inadequacies and social issues, whereas American realism took a more optimistic view of post-Civil War recovery.
• 😀 The image of the soldier in Homer’s painting reflects a hopeful symbol of strength and national unity after the Civil War.
• 😀 Thomas Eakins’ *The Gross Clinic* (1875) highlights the importance of medical and scientific progress through a graphic portrayal of surgery.
• 😀 Eakins’ *The Gross Clinic* can be compared to Rembrandt’s *Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp*, both emphasizing progress, scientific knowledge, and hard work.
• 😀 Eakins’ realism was aimed at confronting viewers with the brutal realities of medical practice, challenging them to witness the complexities of life.
• 😀 Despite its significance, *The Gross Clinic* was initially rejected by critics for being too graphic and gory for public exhibition.
• 😀 Eakins believed that art should serve as a tool to educate the public, showcasing the realities of life rather than idealized or sanitized versions.
• 😀 American realism, as exemplified by Homer and Eakins, reflected both a focus on societal issues and a celebration of progress, especially in the fields of science and medicine.

Q & A

What is the significance of the year 1865 in American realism as discussed in the lecture?

The year 1865 marks the end of the Civil War in the United States, which is a pivotal moment reflected in American realism. In particular, Winslow Homer's painting 'The Veteran in a New Field' symbolizes the transition from war to peace, showcasing a veteran returning to peaceful, productive work.

How does Winslow Homer's 'The Veteran in a New Field' differ from the French approach to realism?

Homer's painting presents a peaceful, optimistic view of post-war America, focusing on recovery and strength. In contrast, French realism, like that of Honoré Daumier, often emphasized social critique, highlighting the failures of the government and societal issues following industrialization.

What symbol in 'The Veteran in a New Field' represents death and what are its meanings?

The scythe in the painting is a symbol of death. It serves two purposes: one as a reference to fallen soldiers and the other as an indirect nod to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, adding layers of meaning to the peaceful scene.

Why was 'The Veteran in a New Field' considered an important image for American audiences in 1865?

The painting was significant because it addressed the concerns of how to reintegrate veterans into society after the Civil War, presenting a message of hope, strength, and the possibility of a smooth transition to peaceful, productive life.

How does Thomas Eakins' 'The Gross Clinic' reflect the values of American realism?

Eakins' painting, showing a live surgery, embodies the realist commitment to portraying contemporary life. It focuses on the scientific and medical advancements of the time, showing unflinching realism in the depiction of the human body, which aligns with the American interest in progress and empirical knowledge.

What is the connection between 'The Gross Clinic' and Rembrandt's 'Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp'?

Both paintings depict medical scenes with an emphasis on anatomical studies and progress. Eakins’ work is a reflection of 19th-century American values, while Rembrandt’s earlier work aligns with similar Enlightenment ideals in the Dutch Republic, emphasizing scientific progress through anatomy.

What were the critics' reactions to 'The Gross Clinic' at the time of its exhibition?

At its 1876 exhibition, 'The Gross Clinic' was criticized for its graphic and brutal depiction of surgery, with critics finding the detailed portrayal of blood and gore too disturbing. Despite this, Thomas Eakins believed that such realism was necessary to educate the public and promote scientific progress.

What role does realism play in the American art scene according to the lecture?

Realism in American art was seen as a tool for depicting contemporary issues, especially social progress, the challenges of post-war recovery, and scientific advancement. Artists like Homer and Eakins used realism to address the real-world concerns of their time, rather than idealizing or romanticizing subjects.

How does American realism differ from French realism in terms of purpose and approach?

While both movements focus on depicting the real world, American realism had a more utilitarian focus, often portraying themes of strength, recovery, and progress. French realism, on the other hand, was more focused on social critique, drawing attention to issues such as poverty, inequality, and the failings of government.

How does the idea of utilitarian art in American realism reflect the values of the time?

Utilitarian art in American realism, as seen in works like 'The Veteran in a New Field' and 'The Gross Clinic', was meant to serve a social purpose. It sought to portray real-life struggles, medical advancements, and the reintegration of soldiers into society, reflecting the American ideals of practicality, progress, and service to the public good.