Realism in art focuses on portraying contemporary subjects truthfully, emphasizing social issues and everyday life in a realistic manner.
Realism is an artistic movement that arose in the 19th century, rejecting Romanticism in favor of depicting contemporary subjects truthfully. Realist works showcased ordinary people in everyday situations, reflecting the societal changes of the time, such as those brought on by the Industrial Revolution.
One of the key elements of Realism was the focus on social issues, portraying individuals of all classes in a realistic manner and avoiding idealized or sentimental depictions. In America, the Ashcan School was a notable group within American Realism, known for portraying scenes of daily life in New York's poorer neighborhoods.