Realism as a movement rejected which previous artistic ideal?

Realism as an artistic movement emerged in the mid-19th century as a reaction against the emotional intensity and idealized depictions characteristic of Romanticism. Artists associated with Realism sought to portray everyday life, focusing on ordinary people and common scenes rather than the grand and dramatic themes often emphasized in Romantic art. This commitment to authenticity and the depiction of real-life experiences marked a significant departure from the Romantic tradition, which favored individualism, imagination, and often heroic or fantastic subject matter.

Impressionism, Baroque, and Surrealism, while influential movements, do not reflect the primary contrast that Realism developed against concerning themes and techniques. Impressionism, which followed Realism, was more concerned with the effects of light and color than with rejecting the idealization found in Romantic art. The Baroque style, known for its grandeur and movement, predates Realism and, therefore, cannot be viewed as an ideal rejected by it. Surrealism emerged later, focusing on dreams and the subconscious, and is not directly related to the values challenged by Realist artists.