The Russian realist movement emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the romanticism that dominated earlier art and literature. It aimed to depict everyday life and social issues with accuracy and honesty, focusing on the experiences of ordinary people. This movement was characterized by a commitment to portraying reality without idealization, often highlighting the struggles of the working class. Key figures in the Russian realist movement include writers like Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky, who explored complex human emotions and moral dilemmas. In visual arts, painters such as Ilya Repin captured the essence of Russian life through detailed and expressive works. The movement significantly influenced both literature and art, shaping cultural discourse in Russia.