Final answer:
The term 'genre painting' accurately refers to art depicting everyday life scenes, including domestic and public gatherings. This style was especially prevalent in the 17th century in regions like Flanders and the Dutch Republic, with artists like Adriaen Brouwer and Jan Vermeer leading the genre. The answer to the student's question is (a) True.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genre painting is indeed a term that refers to works of art depicting scenes of everyday life. These paintings can include a diverse array of subjects such as domestic settings, interiors, mealtimes, celebrations, and various communal gatherings like those in taverns or peasant scenes, markets, and other street scenes. The definition provided in the student's question is correct.
In the 17th century, especially in places like Flanders and the Dutch Republic, these paintings gained significant popularity. Flemish genre painting, influenced by artists such as Adriaen Brouwer, often portrayed peasants in interior settings engaging in activities like fighting and drinking. Brouwer's work is also known for its expressive facial studies or 'tronies'. Another significant aspect of this period was the rise of still-life paintings and landscapes, which occurred alongside the demand for genre paintings.
Moreover, these paintings were not only a representation of everyday life; they were also a reflection of the contemporary society's increasing prosperity. Artists such as Jan Vermeer of the Dutch Republic are renowned for capturing exquisite details of light and domestic life in their genre paintings. In this context, a genre painting can be seen as an artistic snapshot of the social and cultural life of the period. Therefore, the answer to the student's question is (a) True.