What common subject matter did Realist artists often portray in their work?

Realist artists are known for their dedication to depicting the world as it is, without embellishment or idealization. This movement emerged in the mid-19th century as a reaction against Romanticism and its focus on heroic and dramatic themes. By concentrating on everyday life and ordinary people, Realist artists sought to capture the genuine experiences and struggles of the working class and common folk. Their objective was to bring attention to social issues and portray reality in a way that reflected the true conditions of life at that time.

In contrast, the other subjects listed—mythical heroes, divine figures, and exotic landscapes—tend to belong to different artistic movements, such as Romanticism or Baroque, which celebrated grandeur, mythology, and idealization. Realism deliberately moved away from these themes, making the representation of everyday life its hallmark. This focus on the mundane and the authentic allows viewers to connect with the art on a personal level, elevating the significance of ordinary experiences throughout history.