Naturalism

Naturalism as being mentioned in Encyclopedia Britannica is "in literature and the visual arts, late 19th- and early 20th-century movement that was inspired by adaptation of the principles and methods of natural science, especially the Darwinian view of nature, to literature and art. Naturalistic authors emphasize man’s accidental, physiological nature rather than his moral or rational qualities. Individual characters were seen as helpless products of heredity and environment, motivated by strong instinctual drives from within. Naturalism is closely related, but distinct, from realism. ("Naturalism")

Emile Zola's novel "Germinal" is a classic example of naturalism in literature. It vividly illustrates many of the typical characteristics of naturalism. The novel is a bleak and often pessimistic portrayal of the lives of the coal miners in 19th-century France. Throughout the novel, the characters are portrayed as being heavily influenced by their heredity and environment (Determinism). More key aspects of naturalism visible in "Germinal" are enviromental an social conditions, gritty realism, character flaws and scientific approach.

Another authors associated with naturalism are Stephen Crane, Frank Norris, and Theodore Dreiser. Notable works that exemplify naturalism include Zola's "Germinal," Crane's "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets," and Dreiser's "Sister Carrie." (Wikipedia)

Same as in literature, in visual arts naturalism portrays common life and reality as it is. In a way it can be said that naturalism is an opposite to romanticism.

Works Cited: 

''Naturalism" Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "naturalism". Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Nov. 2019, https://www.britannica.com/topic/naturalism-art. Accessed 21 October 2023.

"Naturalism authors" Wikipedia contributors. "Naturalism (literature)." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 28 Aug. 2023. Web. 21 Oct. 2023. 

"Pictures" "Naturalism Movement Overview and Analysis". [Internet]. 2023. TheArtStory.org

Content compiled and written by Rebecca Seiferle

Edited and revised, with Summary and Accomplishments added by Greg Thomas

Available from: https://www.theartstory.org/movement/naturalism/

First published on 23 May 2018. Updated and modified regularly

[Accessed 21 Oct 2023]