The Learning Series: Modern Art Movements, Exploring Impressionism

Impressionism is an artistic movement that emerged in France in the 19th century (1867 – 1886), during the period of industrialization and modernization. It is a style of painting that focuses on capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life, the play of light and color, and the transience of modernity. Impressionism is characterized by its emphasis on loose brushwork, open composition, and the use of bright, vibrant colors.

The term “Impressionism” was first used in 1874 by the critic Louis Leroy in a scathing review of an exhibition of paintings by a group of artists, including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and Camille Pissarro. The exhibition, held in Paris, was a radical departure from the traditional academic style of painting, which emphasized highly detailed, realistic depictions of historical or mythological scenes. The Impressionists, by contrast, sought to capture the fleeting sensations of modern life, often painting outdoors to capture the changing effects of light and weather.

One of the key characteristics of Impressionism is the use of broken brushstrokes and rapid, gestural marks, which give the paintings a sense of spontaneity and movement. The artists were less concerned with capturing a realistic likeness of their subjects than with conveying an impression of their sensory experience. They often used vibrant colors, applied in thin, transparent layers, to create a shimmering effect that captures the play of light and atmosphere.

Impressionism can be divided into several categories, each with its own distinct style and subject matter. Many artists working within the movement employed a combination of styles and techniques, often combining categories during their exploration. Here are a few notable categories:

• Landscape Painting: This category includes works by Monet, Renoir, and Sisley, among others. These artists often painted the same scene multiple times, at different times of day or in different weather conditions, to capture the changing effects of light and atmosphere.
• Portrait Painting: This category includes works by Degas, Cassatt, and Morisot, among others. These artists were interested in capturing the character and personality of their subjects, often depicting them in casual, everyday settings rather than formal poses.

• Genre Painting: This category includes scenes of everyday life, such as cafes, dance halls, and city streets, and is represented by artists like Édouard Manet and Gustave Caillebotte. These paintings capture the energy and vibrancy of modern urban life, often including details of contemporary fashion, architecture, and technology.
• Still Life Painting: This category includes works by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Paul Cézanne, among others. These artists were interested in capturing the beauty of everyday objects, often arranging them in carefully composed tableaus.

One of the key characteristics of Impressionism is the use of broken brushstrokes and rapid, gestural marks, which give the paintings a sense of spontaneity and movement.

Overall, Impressionism was a revolutionary movement in the history of art, marking a departure from traditional academic styles and a celebration of the sensory experience of modern life. It has had a profound influence on the development of modern art, inspiring later movements like Fauvism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism.

In recent years, Impressionism has become increasingly popular in the art market, with works by artists like Monet, Renoir, and Degas fetching record prices at auction. The style’s emphasis on vibrant color and spontaneous mark-making has resonated with contemporary artists, who continue to experiment with new ways of capturing the sensory experience of the modern world.

If you’re interested in learning more about this movement, or acquiring works from Impressionist artists whether Modern (1860 – 1975) or a play on Contemporary (living artists) schedule a consultation with us and we’ll be happy to listen. 

Written by Lo Sampadian