Paintings that depict scenes from everyday life, showing ordinary people engaged in common activities rather than religious, mythological, or historical subjects. It emerged as a distinct category in 17th-century Dutch art.
From French 'genre' meaning 'type' or 'kind,' combined with 'painting.' The term was established in 19th-century art criticism to categorize works by subject matter, distinguishing everyday scenes from 'higher' historical or religious themes.
Try Another Word