Why did realist artists depict such poverty in their work?

The correct answer to this question is that:

“The realist artists wanted the viewer to see that real life was like for so many, rather than just the life of the wealthy.”

What we usually see depicted in art are the treasures and luxurious life of the rich. To see the other side of the coin, realists want us to realize that life is not just about joy and pleasure, some of our brothers and sisters are suffering in poverty.

well seeing i am an artist and i actually did a self portrait; i will describe how i painted it.   i used acrylic on a stretch canvas about 4 feet wide by 6 feet tall. i painted myself smiling in a soft pink long dress, white tile floor sitting on a white couch with a table behind and a vase of gorgeous flowers.   i also had a round white hat with a soft pink ribbon through it laying on the floor and on the table behind me was a lit candle. i kept it simple but soft and romantic.

the longest time is 123 years