Impressionism
Origins of Impressionism
Impressionism is an art movement that originated in France in the late 19th century. It is characterized by small, thin, yet visible brush strokes, open composition, emphasis on accurate depiction of light in its changing qualities, ordinary subject matter, the inclusion of movement as a crucial element of human perception and experience, and unusual visual angles.
The term "Impressionism" is derived from the title of a painting by Monet, called Impression, soleil levant (Impression, Sunrise), which was exhibited in 1874 in the first of the independent exhibitions mounted by Monet and his associates as an alternative to the Salon de Paris.
Characteristics of Impressionist Art
Impressionism is characterized by a number of distinctive features. These include:
- Visible brush strokes: Impressionist paintings often feature short "broken" brush strokes that are loosely mixed to create an "impression" rather than a detailed, exact representation.
- Light and color: Impressionists paid special attention to the effects of light and color, often painting at different times of day to capture changing conditions.
- Ordinary subject matter: Impressionists often chose to depict scenes from everyday life, such as landscapes, street scenes, and casual social gatherings.
- Movement: The impressionists were interested in capturing the fleeting effects of time and movement, often painting en plein air (outdoors) to better capture these elements.
- Unusual visual angles: Impressionist artists often chose unusual vantage points or cropped their images in innovative ways, influenced in part by the advent of photography.
Key Figures in Impressionism
Several artists played key roles in the development and propagation of Impressionism. These include:
- Monet: Known for his series of paintings of water lilies, haystacks, and Rouen Cathedral, Monet's work embodies the principles of Impressionism.
- Renoir: Renoir is celebrated for his depictions of vibrant social scenes, landscapes, and portraits.
- Degas: Degas is renowned for his paintings and sculptures of dancers, as well as his innovative compositions and experiments with color and form.
- Morisot: One of the few female artists prominently associated with Impressionism, Morisot's work often focused on domestic scenes and women in their social and private lives.
Influence and Legacy of Impressionism
Impressionism had a profound influence on the development of modern art. It challenged the rigid rules and conventions of academic painting and opened up new possibilities for artistic expression. The movement's emphasis on the transient effects of light and color influenced numerous subsequent art movements, including Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism.
Impressionism also had a significant impact on the way that art was viewed and appreciated. The movement's emphasis on the individual artist's perception and the fleeting effects of light and color led to a greater appreciation for the subjective, personal dimensions of art.