Characterized by rejection of historical and traditional values of painting, values innovation; parallels modernist music composers.

• A. Realism
• B. Romanticism
• C. Modernism
• D. Impressionism

Answer: (C)

Modernism in painting is being described. This movement rejects established, traditional rules and norms of historical painting, pushing for new ways to see and express. Artists break away from realistic representation and academic standards, experimenting with form, color, and composition to reveal ideas, feelings, or perceptions in innovative ways. This emphasis on innovation and departure from past conventions matches what many modernist composers were doing in music, where tonality, structure, and typical forms were reimagined or discarded in favor of fresh, experimental approaches.

Realism focuses on accurate, everyday life without aiming to overturn tradition. Romanticism centers on intense emotion, individual heroism, and awe of nature, often within a familiar expressive framework. Impressionism challenges certain academic methods through lighter brushwork and an emphasis on light and momentary perception, yet it still often works within representational aims and doesn’t explicitly reject historical painting values.