M5P1 - Modernism Part I - Impressionism to Symbolism

Impressionism to Symbolism: The Art of the Modern World

• Transition to the MODERN world influences new artistic expressions.

The Rise of Modernism: Art of the Late 19th Century

• Key Developments:

  • 2nd Industrial Revolution fosters belief in progress through science.

  • Rapid urbanization and the emergence of a growing working class seeking entertainment.

  • Darwin’s Theory of Evolution influences social systems and art.

  • Hegel’s Dialectic Method suggests truth is relative and ever-changing.

  • Karl Marx emphasizes class conflict, inspiring artists to adopt socialist themes.

Modernism: Philosophy and Art

• Modernism's essence:

  • Reality viewed as a sequence of actions, with no fixed meanings or truths.

  • Art critiques and comments on itself and modern life, aspiring to influence society.

• Impressionism as the first major Modern art movement.

Impressionism Defined

• Founded by artists, including Claude Monet and Edgar Degas, in 1874.

• Known for independence from traditional salons and acclaim for modern life depiction.

• Art captures fleeting experiences rather than lifetime representations.

• Strives for realism by portraying light's role in perception.

Claude Monet

• Impression: Sunrise (1872): Establishes the movement's name through rapid notation and paint application for ephemeral sensations.

• Monet’s technique emphasizes the rational capture of visual reality akin to photography.

Techniques and Revolution in Art Materials

• Monet employs alla prima technique, promoting direct pigment application.

• Invention of paint tubes enhances outdoors painting (en plein air).

• Monet replicates same scene under different light conditions, highlighting change in perception.

The Gare Saint-Lazare (1877)

• Monet’s portrayal of modern life in Paris’ train station includes light interactions with steam and smoke.

Monet’s Personal Space and Legacy

• Controlled landscape gardens for consistent light exploration, evolving the Impressionist vision.

Edgar Degas and Painterly Technique

• Degas returns to classical academic training while innovating in portrayals of modern subjects like ballet and urban life, showing off brushstrokes.

• Explores emotional realism through scenes depicting middle/lower-class livelihoods, contrasting beauty with harsh reality.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

• Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette (1876): Captures social spaces filled with movement and light interplay, showcasing modern life vibrancy.

• Luncheon of the Boating Party (1880–1881): Merges portrait with still life, emphasizes fleeting life moments.

Post-Impressionists Improving on Impressionism

• Major figures: Seurat, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin.

• Seurat’s Pointillism: mathematical approach using dots of color, yet evokes feelings of alienation.

• Cezanne introduces permanence and structure by treating painting as sculpture.

• Van Gogh emphasizes emotional expression through impactful brushwork, using impasto technique.

Color and Emotion in Art

• Gauguin pushes color use towards emotional expression, aiming for a primitive ideal in art.

• The Fauves movement (Matisse and Derain): Emphasized color over representation, creating lively, emotional art.

Fin de Siècle Art and Philosophy

• The period reflects societal uncertainties and the evolution of artistic expression amid industrial changes.

• Artists explore themes of alienation and existential challenges.

Modern Artistic Reactions

• Edvard Munch’s The Cry (1893): Captures modern existential dread through swirling forms.

• Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss (1907-1908): Advocates for living in the moment amidst uncertainty.

Conclusion

• The evolution of art responds directly to changing societal and individual narratives, paving pathways towards 20th-century modernism.