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" derives from Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise" (Impression, soleil levant), which led critic Louis Leroy to coin the term in 1874 in a satirical review.

• Characteristics:

  • Brush Strokes: Visible, small, thin brush strokes.

  • Composition: Open compositions with emphasis on light and its changing qualities.

  • Subject Matter: Focus on ordinary subjects and human experiences.

  • Visual Angles: Use of unusual angles and inclusion of 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, giving precedence to color over line and painting outdoor scenes (en plein air) rather than studio works.

• Inspiration: Influence from Eugène Delacroix and other contemporaries, focusing on color and light to capture transient effects.

• Public Reception: Initially met with hostility, eventually gaining acceptance for presenting a fresh perspective on art, leading to later movements like Neo-Impressionism and Cubism.

Development

Influential Artists

• Key Figures: Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro, and others, collectively pushing the boundaries of traditional art.

• Early Exhibitions: The group held several independent exhibitions from 1874-1886, showcasing their works despite mixed critical reception, which included derogatory remarks from critiques like Louis Leroy.

Techniques and Compositions

• Technique:

  • Use of short, broken brush strokes and pure unmixed colors.

  • Avoidance of black paint, creating shadows through complementary colors.

  • Paint applied wet-on-wet to create softer edges and blend colors optically.

• Content: The paintings often seem like snapshots of life, capturing moments informally and candidly, driven by the popularity of photography during that time.

Influences and Legacy

Influence of Photography

• Challenge to Artists: The rise of photography created a new context for painters, who sought to express subjective perceptions instead of striving for photographic realism.

• Innovative Expression: Impressionists aimed to reflect personal interpretations of nature using color without the constraints of detailed accuracy.

Japanese Art and Other Influences

• Asian Influence: Japanese art prints introduced new compositional techniques and perspectives, impacting the asymmetry and dynamic arrangements in Impressionist works.

• Cultural Exchange: Figures like Edgar Degas actively engaged with Japanese prints, further integrating diverse influences into Impressionist practice.

Notable Impressionists

• Core Artists:

  • Claude Monet: Prolific and emblematic of Impressionist techniques.

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

  • Camille Pissarro: The only artist to participate in all eight Impressionist exhibitions.

  • Edgar Degas: Known for his unique studies of movement and urban life.

• Other Influencers: Édouard Manet, Frédéric Bazille, Mary Cassatt, Paul Cézanne, and others contributed to and defined the movement.

Expansion Beyond France

• Impressionism influenced countless artists globally, including notable American figures like Mary Cassatt and Childe Hassam, as well as movements in countries ranging from Belgium to Australia and beyond.

• Crossover with Other Art Forms: The term "Impressionism" also relates to developments in music and literature, capturing the essence of emotions and capturing impressions rather than providing detailed narratives.

Conclusion

• Evolution into Post-Impressionism:

  • Artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin carried forward the Impressionist legacy while establishing new styles, emphasizing their unique visions and concepts, marking the transition into the Post-Impressionist era.