European Collection Reinstallation
Realism
Gallery 206

The reinstallation of Realism provides an opportunity to explore the Museum's holdings from this major artistic movement that emerged in mid-19th century France. Realist artists affirmed the importance of objective observation of contemporary reality and sought to move away from art focusing on biblical or mythological scenes and ancient history.

Landscape painting was at the heart of the Realist movement. The painters known as the Barbizon School formed an artistic colony in the Barbizon and also traveled extensively around France representing the diversity of their native landscape.

The Museum's reinstallation of Realism was curated by Simon Kelly, curator of modern and contemporary art.