Texes Art EC-12 Practice Exam

Which movement is characterized by a reaction against Realism in the 19th century?

1. Impressionism

2. Futurism

3. Abstract Art

4. Expressionism

The correct answer is: Impressionism

Impressionism is recognized as a significant reaction against Realism in the 19th century. The Realism movement focused on depicting everyday life and society with accuracy and truthfulness. In contrast, Impressionism shifted away from these detailed representations, emphasizing the effects of light and color in capturing fleeting moments and emotions. Impressionist artists sought to portray their subjective experiences and perceptions of the world rather than adhere strictly to realistic representations. They often painted en plein air (outdoors) to capture the changing qualities of light and atmosphere, which led to distinctive techniques involving short, broken brushstrokes and an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene rather than its precise details. This movement marked a pivotal shift towards modern art, influencing future styles and contributing to a broader exploration of the subjective experience in art. The other movements listed, while significant in their own right, emerged in different contexts or with different intentions, focusing on various aspects of art that do not directly respond to Realism in the same way as Impressionism.