Impressionism

Impressionism Overview

• Definition: A 19th-century art movement emerging from Paris, marked by independent exhibitions that gained prominence in the 1870s and 1880s.

• Origin of the Name: The term "Impressionism" was coined by critic Louis Leroy in a satirical review of Claude Monet's painting Impression, Sunrise (Impression, soleil levant).

Characteristics of Impressionism

• Brush Strokes: Utilized small, thin, visible brush strokes.

• Composition: Open composition, which captures movement and fluidity.

• Depiction of Light: Focused on the accurate representation of light in its changing qualities, reflecting the effects of time.

• Subject Matter: Ordinary scenes of daily life, landscapes, and candid moments.

• Visual Angles: Often employed unusual angles to give a fresh perspective.

Evolution and Influence

• Other Media: Inspired similar movements in music and literature, termed Impressionist music and literature.

• Radical Techniques: Early Impressionists, such as Monet and Renoir, broke academic painting norms by prioritizing color over line, inspired by Eugène Delacroix.

• Plein Air Painting: The practice of painting outdoors to capture the fleeting effects of sunlight.

• Rejection of Traditionalism: The movement was initially met with hostility but eventually gained public acceptance, influencing later styles like Neo-Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism.

Historical Context

• Artistic Standards: Dominated by the Académie des Beaux-Arts, art focused on historical and religious subjects with polished realism being preferred, sidelining landscapes and contemporary themes.

• Salon de Paris: The annual juried exhibition where artists aimed for recognition but often faced rejection by conservative juries.

• Significance of the Salon des Refusés: Established after Manet's controversial rejection, becoming a platform for the emerging Impressionist movement.

Key Figures in Impressionism

• Founding Artists: Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Frédéric Bazille, Camille Pissarro, Paul Cézanne, Berthe Morisot, Edgar Degas.

• Exhibitions: The group conducted eight exhibitions between 1874 and 1886 despite internal disagreements leading to some artists departing from the group.

Techniques Employed by Impressionists

• Color Theory: Used pure colors applied side-by-side rather than mixed, creating a vibrant effect.

• Brush Technique: Short, thick strokes for quick capturing of subjects, often painted en plein air.

• Light and Shadow: Shadows represented using complementary colors, avoiding black paint.

• Evening Effects: Focused on the unique light of twilight, creating softer edges.

Photography and Japanese Influence

• Photography's Role: The rise of photography influenced Impressionists to capture moments rather than emulate exact realities, pushing for subjective representation.

• Japonism: Japanese art prints introduced new perspectives, angles, and compositions that shaped Impressionist methodologies.

Notable Impressionist Works

• Claude Monet: Known for “Water Lilies” and “Woman with a Parasol”.

• Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Famous for “Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette” and “Girl with a Hoop”.

• Edgar Degas: Noted for his depictions of dancers and scenes complemented by his photography interest.

Legacy and Expansion

• Post-Impressionism: Artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin evolved Impressionist concepts into distinct movements.

• Global Influence: The movement expanded internationally, influencing artists in the United States, Britain, Australia, and other parts of Europe and Latin America.

• In Literature and Music: The Impressionist movement's aesthetic extended into literary and musical fields, characterized by evocation rather than explicit description.

Conclusion

• Impressionism embodies a revolutionary approach to visual arts, one that values light, movement, and perception over accuracy, leading to profound shifts in both artistic techniques and cultural expression.