Compare the ideas and social commentary of artists and writers in the 1920s with the artists and writers of the 1820s-1850s.

The artists of the mid 19th century were social realists while the 20s were of modernism and were also inspired by Marx.

Explanation:

The difference can be simply accounted thus:

The generation of the artists of 20s to 50s in 19th century were the ones who inspired Marx and anticipated him in social commentary.

This was about the plight of the working class.

Then the people of the 20s were inspired by the work of Marx in their commentary and were writing about the now rigidly established working class in the modern world also about the injustices of the modern world.