Impressionism

Impressionism

Overview

• Definition:

  • Impressionism was a 19th-century art movement originating from a loose association of Paris-based artists in the 1870s and 1880s.

• Etymology:

  • The term "Impressionism" comes from Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise" (Impression, soleil levant).

  • Coined by critic Louis Leroy in 1874 during a satirical review.

Characteristics

• Brush Strokes:

  • Visible, small, and thin brush strokes.

• Composition:

  • Open compositions emphasizing light and its changing qualities.

• Subject Matter:

  • Focuses on ordinary subjects and human experiences.

• Visual Angles:

  • Utilizes unusual angles and includes movement.

Related Movements

• Followed by Impressionist music and literature, as well as independent art created in the Impressionist style outside the late 19th century.

Historical Context

• Radical Changes:

  • Early Impressionists challenged traditional academic painting norms, prioritizing color over line.

  • Often painted outdoor scenes (en plein air) instead of studio works.

• Inspiration:

  • Influenced by Eugène Delacroix and contemporaries focusing on color and light.

• Public Reception:

  • Initially faced hostility, but later gained acceptance, influencing later movements like Neo-Impressionism and Cubism.

Development

Influential Artists

• Key Figures:

  • Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro, among others, who pushed the boundaries of traditional art.

• Early Exhibitions:

  • Held independent exhibitions from 1874-1886, showcasing their works despite mixed reviews, including derogatory critiques from Louis Leroy.

Techniques and Compositions

• Technique:

  • Short, broken brush strokes using pure unmixed colors; avoided black paint, creating shadows with complementary colors.

  • Paint applied wet-on-wet for softer edges and optical color blending.

• Content:

  • Paintings resemble candid snapshots of life, reflecting informal moments, influenced by the rise of photography.

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Influences and Legacy

• Influence of Photography:

  • The rise of photography prompted painters to express subjective perceptions rather than achieve photographic realism.

  • Impressionists reflected personal interpretations of nature using color without detailed accuracy.

Japanese Art and Other Influences

• Asian Influence:

  • Japanese art prints introduced new compositional techniques and perspectives, impacting Impressionist works through asymmetry and dynamic arrangements.

• Cultural Exchange:

  • Artists like Edgar Degas integrated diverse influences into their practice, engaging with Japanese prints.

Notable Impressionists

• Core Artists:

  • Claude Monet: Prolific and iconic for Impressionist techniques.

  • Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Known for vibrant color and social scenes.

  • Camille Pissarro: Participated in all eight Impressionist exhibitions.

  • Edgar Degas: Renowned for studies of movement and urban life.

• Other Influencers:

  • Édouard Manet, Frédéric Bazille, Mary Cassatt, Paul Cézanne, among others who contributed to defining the movement.

Expansion Beyond France

• Impressionism influenced global artists, notably American figures like Mary Cassatt and Childe Hassam, as well as movements in various countries including Belgium and Australia.

• Crossover with Other Art Forms:

  • The term "Impressionism" relates to developments in music and literature that emphasize capturing emotions and impressions.

Conclusion

• Evolution into Post-Impressionism:

  • Artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin advanced the Impressionist legacy while developing new styles, marking the transition into Post-Impressionism.