Photography gave painters license to create works that were not shackled to what concept?

The correct answer, realism, highlights a significant shift in the art world that photography catalyzed. Prior to the advent of photography, painters primarily focused on capturing the world as realistically and accurately as possible. This commitment to realistic representation constrained their creative expression, as much of their value was derived from their ability to depict life as it is seen.

With the introduction of photography, which could capture scenes with greater precision and accuracy than a painter could achieve by hand, artists were no longer bound by the necessity to portray reality in their work. This liberation sparked the emergence of various artistic movements, allowing painters to explore new styles and concepts that ventured beyond a straightforward depiction of the physical world. Consequently, artists began to experiment with abstraction, expressionism, and other various techniques that focused more on emotion, interpretation, and personal style rather than mere representation.

This pivotal moment in art history demonstrates how photography not only influenced visual storytelling but also expanded the boundaries of creativity, enabling painters to explore their expression without the constraints imposed by realism.