Final answer:
The term that describes the portrayal of people and things as they are in reality is Realism. Originating in France in the 1850s, the Realist art movement focused on truthful and accurate depictions of contemporary life, a contrast to the idealized styles of Romanticism and Neoclassicism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the portrayal of people and things as they actually are, without idealization or distortion, is Realism. This artistic movement, which began in France in the 1850s, presented contemporary subjects and situations truthfully and accurately. Realists painted everyday life and people of all classes, often highlighting the unembellished and harsh realities of their subjects. Among the prominent figures of the Realist art movement were Gustave Courbet, Honore Daumier, and Jean-Francois Millet.
Instead of romanticizing or dramatizing their subjects, Realists focused on depicting them in a more honest and objective manner. Their work often reflected the socio-economic conditions of the period and the changes brought about by the Industrial and Commercial Revolutions. The artworks of Realism were a direct response to the previously dominant Romanticism and Neoclassicism, leading the way to further artistic developments such as Impressionism.