Impressionism

Impressionism

Overview of Impressionism

• Definition: A 19th-century art movement characterized by a focus on the effects of light and movement, defined by loose brushwork and a departure from traditional academic standards.

• Origin of Name: The term "Impressionism" comes from Claude Monet's painting Impression, Sunrise (1872), which led critic Louis Leroy to coin it in a satirical review.

• Characteristics of Impressionist Art:

  • Small, thin brush strokes that remain visible.

  • Open composition focusing on light’s changing qualities.

  • Ordinary subject matter depicting realistic scenes.

  • Experimental use of unusual perspectives and angles.

  • Emphasis on movement as a crucial element of visual perception.

Historical Context

• Radical Movements of the Time: Early Impressionists broke away from the rigid rules of academic tradition dominated by the Académie des Beaux-Arts, which promoted historical, religious, or portrait themes with a polished finish.

• Plein-Air Painting: Artists like Monet and Renoir shifted outdoor painting to capture sunlight and momentary effects, painting landscapes and everyday life rather than historical subjects.

Techniques and Approaches

• Color and Brushwork:

  • Use of vibrant colors and visible brush strokes, avoiding meticulous blending.

  • Focused on capturing the essence of the scene rather than intricate details.

  • Employed techniques to show light reflections and shadows.

• Significant Figures: Notable Impressionist artists include Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro, and Edgar Degas, who shared similar stylistic approaches but varied in their techniques.

Beginnings of Impressionism

• Influences: The movement arose in a rapidly changing Paris under Napoleon III, whose modernization efforts affected artistic expression. Artists sought to reflect contemporary life rather than glorified historical narratives.

• Salon de Paris: The prestigious annual exhibition favored traditional artists, leaving the Impressionists marginalized until their work gained public popularity following the Salon des Refusés established by Napoleon III after many rejections.

Key Events Leading to the Movement

• Rejection of Traditional Works: Édouard Manet’s The Luncheon on the Grass (1863) faced rejection, igniting a push for alternative exhibitions.

• Formation of Société Anonyme Coopérative des Artistes Peintres: In 1873, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, and Sisley created this independent exhibition group, marking the first significant organized effort to present their modern style.

Impressionist Techniques

• Brushwork Techniques:

  • Utilized thick paint strokes to create texture and depth.

  • Employed optical mixing by placing colors side by side instead of blending them.

• Light Representation: Close attention to the interaction of light and color was essential, with reflected colors creating dynamic compositions.

• Plein-Air Painting: This technique allowed artists to capture natural light and scenes without prior preparation, producing spontaneous, immediate results.

Influences from Other Art Forms

• Photography: As photography gained popularity, Impressionists adapted, exploring subjective perceptions and momentary experiences instead of mere realism.

• Japanese Art: Known as Japonism, the influence of Japanese prints introduced asymmetrical compositions and unconventional viewpoints.

Prominent Impressionist Artists

• Claude Monet: Most prolific and recognizable figure of Impressionism, focused on light and nature.

• Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Known for his vibrant depictions of social scenes and human figures, occasionally deviating from pure Impressionist practices.

• Edgar Degas: Focused on movement and human figures but disliked the term "Impressionist" and emphasized drawing.

The Impact of Impressionism

• Art Movements: Impressionism led to subsequent movements like Post-Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism, shaping modern art.

• Cultural Reception: Initially resisted by critics, Impressionism eventually gained acceptance, influencing artistic standards and practices across Europe and beyond through exhibitions and public enthusiasm.