Glossary of Art Terms: N

Naturalism

A style in which an artist intends to represent a subject as it appears in the natural world - precisely and objectively - as opposed to being represented in a stylized or intellectually manipulated manner. Although naturalism is often used interchangeably with the term realism, there is a difference between them. The realism of Gustave Courbet is more interested in the honest and blunt depiction of subjects and situations, while the naturalism of Ernest Meissonier is more a visually accurate depiction of subjects, which in other hands might well have been depicted ideally.

Neo-Classicism

A French art style and movement that originated as a reaction to the Baroque in the mid-eighteenth century, and continued into the middle of the nineteenth century. It sought to revive the ideals of ancient Greek and Roman art. Neoclassic artists used classical forms to express their ideas about courage, sacrifice, and love of country.