Impressionism

The Fighting Temeraire, JMW Turner, National Gallery

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Le Moulin de la Galette

Edouard Manet - Luncheon on the Grass - Google Art Project

Alfred Sisley 001

Claude Monet - Graystaks I

Impressionism is an art movement that originated with a group of Paris-based artists in the late 19th century. Impressionism was characterized by a focus on light and its changing qualities, often accentuating the effects of the passage of time, unusual visual angles, and the inclusion of movement as a crucial element of human perception and experience. This movement marked a departure from the conventions of traditional painting, emphasizing a more spontaneous and personal way of seeing and depicting the world.

Origins and Development

The origins of Impressionism can be traced back to the 1860s in Paris, where a group of artists including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro began experimenting with new ways of capturing light and movement. They sought to break away from the rigid rules of academic painting and were often rejected by the traditional Salon, leading them to hold their own independent exhibitions.

The term "Impressionism" was derived from a derogatory remark by a critic in response to Monet's painting Impression, Sunrise (Impression, soleil levant), exhibited in 1874. Despite initial criticism, the movement gained popularity and influenced a wide range of artists both in France and abroad.

Characteristics

Impressionist paintings are known for their vibrant light and color, often achieved through the use of unmixed primary colors and small brush strokes to simulate actual reflected light. The subjects of Impressionist paintings are varied, including landscapes, scenes of everyday life, portraits, and still lifes. A key element of Impressionism is the attempt to capture the momentary, sensory effect of a scene - the impression objects made on the eye in a fleeting instant.

Techniques

Impressionist artists employed several innovative techniques:

• Use of light and color: Impressionists often painted outdoors (plein air painting) to capture the natural light and its changing qualities.
• Brushwork: Short, thick strokes of paint quickly capture the essence of the subject, rather than its details. The paint is often applied impasto, where paint is laid on an area of the surface in very thick layers.
• Composition: Impressionists frequently used unusual visual angles and compositions, focusing on scenes of modern life and avoiding the artificiality of studio work.

Impact and Legacy

Impressionism had a profound impact on the development of modern art. It challenged the traditional approaches to painting and opened the door for subsequent movements such as Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism. The emphasis on light and color, as well as the movement's innovative techniques, influenced generations of artists.

The legacy of Impressionism is evident in the continued popularity of its artists and their works, which are showcased in museums around the world. The movement also contributed to changing perceptions of beauty, art, and the way we see the world.

Notable Artists

• Claude Monet: Often regarded as the most consistent and prolific practitioner of the movement's philosophy of expressing one's perceptions before nature.
• Edgar Degas: Known for his works in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and drawing, he is especially identified with the subject of dance.
• Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Celebrated for his vibrant light and saturated color, especially in intimate and candid compositions.
• Camille Pissarro: Considered the "dean of the Impressionist painters," he acted as a mentor to many younger artists.

See Also

• Post-Impressionism
• French art
• History of painting