Impressionism

Impressionism

Overview

• Definition: Art movement originating in the 19th century among Paris-based artists.

• Key Event: Gained prominence through independent exhibitions in the 1870s and 1880s.

• Origin of the Name: Derived from Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise," leading critic Louis Leroy to use the term in a satirical review.

Characteristics of Impressionism

• Brushwork: Small, thin, yet visible brush strokes.

• Composition: Open and unconventional visual angles.

• Light Depiction: Focus on capturing light's changing qualities, accentuating the passage of time.

• Subject Matter: Ordinary scenes and contemporary life.

• Movement: Inclusion of human perception and movement as an essential element of artworks.

• Historical Influence: Influenced other media including music and literature, establishing the concept of 'Impressionist' art outside of the late 19th century.

The Break from Tradition

• Radicals: Early Impressionists broke traditional academic painting rules, valuing color over precise line work.

• Painting Outdoors: Transitioned to plein air painting, allowing them to capture the momentary effects of sunlight.

• Technique: Usage of short 'broken' brush strokes and mixed colors to portray intense color vibration, moving away from smooth blends of the past.

Reception and Impact

• Public Perception: Initially met with hostility but gradually accepted as capturing a fresh vision by the public.

• Artistic Legacy: Influenced future movements such as Neo-Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism.

Beginnings of Impressionism

Context

• Art Scene: Dominated by the Académie des Beaux-Arts, favoring traditional subjects and styles in the mid-19th century.

• Salon de Paris: Annual juried art exhibition where traditional works received acclaim while emerging Impressionist works were often rejected.

Notable Events

• Édouard Manet’s Rejection: "The Luncheon on the Grass" faced rejection in 1863 due to its controversial depiction of a nude in a contemporary setting, leading to the establishment of the Salon des Refusés.

• Artistic Gathering: Core group of young realists formed friendships and laid the groundwork for Impressionism.

Formation of the Impressionist Group

Key Developments

• Société Anonyme Coopérative: Established in 1873 by Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, and Sisley to exhibit their works independently, avoiding the traditional Salons.

• First Exhibition: Held in April 1874, receiving mixed critical responses, solidifying the term "Impressionist" for the new movement.

Divergence of the Group

• Individual Paths: Artists like Degas held different views; while Monet and Pissarro sought spontaneity, Degas prioritized drawing.

• Exhibitions: The group organized a series of exhibitions between 1874 and 1886 despite financial struggles.

Impressionist Techniques

Painting Techniques

• Quick Capture: Use of short thick strokes of paint to capture the essence of the subject.

• Colour Mixing: Layering side-by-side colors to create vibrant surfaces; avoiding the traditional use of black paint.

• Natural Light: Emphasis on light play and the reflection of colors, especially in outdoor settings.

Historical Influences

• Pre 19th Century Influences: Techniques drawn from painters like Delacroix and Courbet.

• Tools Evolution: Advantage of premixed paints in tubes allowed spontaneity.

Influence of Photography and Japanese Art

Photography

• Candid Approach: The rise of photography influenced Impressionists to capture fleeting moments rather than historical accuracy.

• Artistic Expression: Emphasized subjective perceptions over exact reflections of reality.

Japanese Art

• Japonism: The influence of Japanese ukiyo-e prints introduced snapshot angles and unconventional compositions.

Notable Impressionists

Central Figures

• Key Artists:

  • Claude Monet

  • Edgar Degas

  • Pierre-Auguste Renoir

  • Camille Pissarro

  • Mary Cassatt

Influence and Legacy

• Beyond France: Impressionism influenced artists globally including American, British, Australian, and other international movements.

Later Developments

Post-Impressionism

• New Directions: Emerged in the 1880s with artists like Van Gogh and Seurat exploring unique color and form philosophy.

• Enduring Influence: Initial Impressionist artists like Pissarro sometimes delved into post-Impressionist styles.

Conclusion

• Cultural Impact: Impressionism initiated profound changes in artistic practices, forming the bedrock for subsequent contemporary art movements.