Final answer:
The term 'genre painting' accurately describes paintings that depict everyday life scenes, a style that was especially prevalent in the 17th century among Dutch and Flemish artists. These paintings often highlighted the experiences of the lower and middle classes, with a keen interest in realistic portrayal. Realism of the 19th century continued this tradition, emphasizing authentic representations of daily life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that genre painting refers to paintings which depict scenes of everyday life is true. Genre paintings are indeed characterized by their depiction of ordinary life, particularly popular in 17th century Flanders and the Dutch Republic. These works often illustrated the daily activities and social conditions of the time without featuring individuals of historical or mythological significance. The paintings by Adriaen Brouwer are notable examples, as they portrayed the day-to-day existence of peasants, emphasizing expressive facial features and the intimate spaces in which these figures were shown. Artists like Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Bruegel the Elder were early adopters of this style, focusing on realistic and detailed scenes of common people's lives.
These artworks echoed the growing affluence of the regions they originated from, with settings becoming progressively more affluent and meticulously crafted over time. Genres like the vanitas, which pondered the fleeting nature of life, also rose to prominence during this era. Artists not only sought to replicate reality but also to create works demonstrating artistic skill and physical immediacy that rivaled the decorative arts of Catholic Europe.
Realism, an artistic and literary movement of the nineteenth century, continued the tradition of genre painting by focusing on everyday scenes of the contemporary world, often highlighting both the beauty and harsher aspects of life. The interest in everyday subjects represented a significant shift in Western art, challenging the long-established hierarchy that had previously elevated history painting above all other genres.