Portuguese Realism is a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, primarily in response to Romanticism. It focuses on depicting everyday life and social issues with accuracy and detail. Writers and artists sought to portray the struggles of ordinary people, often highlighting themes of poverty, class conflict, and the complexities of human nature. Key figures in Portuguese Realism include authors like Eça de Queirós and Antero de Quental, who used their works to critique society and explore the human condition. This movement laid the groundwork for modern Portuguese literature and influenced subsequent artistic developments in the country.