11.1 Artistic goals and philosophies
11 min read•august 19, 2024
and marked a radical shift in artistic goals and philosophies. Artists rejected traditional ideals, embracing and capturing fleeting moments. They celebrated , experimented with new techniques, and focused on conveying immediacy and spontaneity.
These movements emphasized subjectivity, evoking sensations and emotions through color and light. Artists reacted against industrialization, yearning for unspoiled . Their work reflected a changing world, challenging conventions and paving the way for future artistic innovations.
Rejection of traditional ideals
- Impressionists and Post-Impressionists rebelled against the rigid rules and conventions of academic art that dominated the 19th century
- They sought to break free from the constraints of historical subjects, idealized beauty, and precise rendering techniques promoted by art academies
- Instead, they embraced a more modern, progressive approach that prioritized individual expression and contemporary themes
Challenging academic conventions
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- Rejected the hierarchy of genres that placed history painting at the pinnacle and considered still life and landscape as inferior subjects
- Abandoned the practice of creating highly polished, detailed works in favor of a more spontaneous, expressive style
- Disregarded the traditional emphasis on linear perspective, balanced , and smooth blending of colors
- Challenged the notion that art should serve a moral or didactic purpose, instead focusing on capturing the beauty and essence of the world around them
Emphasis on modernity and change
- Embraced the rapidly changing modern world of the late 19th century, depicting contemporary subjects and themes (Haussmann's renovation of Paris, rise of leisure activities)
- Reflected the transformative effects of industrialization, , and technological advancements in their art
- Captured the dynamism and flux of modern life, conveying a sense of constant change and movement
- Celebrated the novelty and excitement of the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or idealized notions of beauty
Capturing the ephemeral
- Impressionists and Post-Impressionists were fascinated by the fleeting, transient aspects of reality that were often overlooked or considered unworthy of artistic representation
- They sought to capture the ever-changing qualities of light, atmosphere, and movement that lent a sense of vitality and immediacy to their paintings
- This focus on the ephemeral reflected a broader cultural shift towards an appreciation of the present moment and the beauty found in everyday life
Focus on fleeting moments
- Depicted scenes of daily life, leisure activities, and natural phenomena that were brief and transitory (clouds drifting across the sky, people strolling in parks, boats on the water)
- Captured the changing effects of light and atmosphere at different times of day or in various weather conditions
- Conveyed a sense of the momentary and evanescent, suggesting that beauty is found in the fleeting instances of life rather than in timeless, idealized forms
Depicting changing light and atmosphere
- Explored the ways in which light and atmosphere transform the appearance of colors and forms in nature
- Rendered the subtle variations of hues and tones that occur as light shifts throughout the day (soft, diffuse light of early morning, bright, intense sunlight of midday, golden glow of sunset)
- Captured the ephemeral effects of weather conditions (misty, atmospheric haze, shimmering heat of summer, rainy or snowy landscapes)
- Emphasized the constantly changing, dynamic qualities of the natural world, evoking a sense of the transience and impermanence of all things
Embracing subjectivity
- Impressionists and Post-Impressionists rejected the notion of objective reality and instead emphasized the subjective nature of perception
- They believed that art should express the artist's unique vision and emotional response to the world, rather than simply mimicking external appearances
- This embrace of subjectivity reflected a broader cultural shift towards individualism and the exploration of inner experiences and psychological states
Personal interpretation vs objective reality
- Prioritized the artist's personal interpretation and subjective experience of reality over the accurate, mimetic representation of the external world
- Emphasized the role of the artist's emotions, sensations, and memories in shaping their perception and depiction of their subjects
- Believed that the artist's unique vision and creative expression were more important than adhering to conventional notions of realism or objective truth
Conveying artist's unique perception
- Sought to convey the artist's distinctive way of seeing and experiencing the world through their use of color, brushwork, and composition
- Employed expressive, emotive techniques (visible brushstrokes, bold colors, simplified forms) to communicate their subjective responses and impressions
- Created paintings that were highly personal and idiosyncratic, reflecting the artist's individual temperament, sensibilities, and artistic vision
- Invited viewers to see the world through the artist's eyes and to share in their subjective experience of reality
Experimentation and innovation
- Impressionists and Post-Impressionists were characterized by a spirit of experimentation and a willingness to push the boundaries of traditional art practices
- They embraced novel techniques, materials, and approaches in order to create art that was fresh, original, and expressive of their individual visions
- This emphasis on innovation and experimentation reflected a broader cultural climate of progress, change, and the desire to break free from the constraints of the past
Novel techniques and approaches
- Pioneered the use of broken, visible brushstrokes that emphasized the materiality of the paint and the artist's hand in the creative process
- Employed a brighter, more vibrant palette of pure, unmixed colors to capture the intensity and luminosity of natural light
- Experimented with the use of complementary colors and optical mixing to create visual effects and evoke sensations in the viewer
- Developed new compositional strategies (asymmetry, cropping, high horizon lines) that challenged traditional notions of pictorial space and perspective
Pushing boundaries of art
- Expanded the range of subjects deemed appropriate for artistic representation, including everyday scenes, ordinary people, and modern urban life
- Blurred the boundaries between high art and popular culture, incorporating elements of fashion, advertising, and mass media into their work
- Challenged the prevailing hierarchy of genres and the notion that certain subjects were more worthy of artistic treatment than others
- Paved the way for future avant-garde movements (Fauvism, Cubism, Expressionism) by demonstrating the possibilities of artistic innovation and experimentation
Celebrating everyday life
- Impressionists and Post-Impressionists turned their attention to the ordinary, mundane aspects of daily life that had previously been considered unworthy of artistic representation
- They found beauty and significance in the simple, fleeting moments of everyday existence, elevating them to the status of high art
- This celebration of the quotidian reflected a broader cultural shift towards a more democratic, inclusive vision of art that valued the experiences and perspectives of ordinary people
Elevating the ordinary and mundane
- Depicted scenes of daily life and the activities of common people (workers, shopkeepers, laundresses, farmers) with the same care and attention previously reserved for grand historical or mythological subjects
- Found beauty and meaning in the simple, everyday objects and environments that surrounded them (domestic interiors, gardens, streets, cafes)
- Celebrated the dignity and value of ordinary individuals and their lived experiences, challenging the notion that only the lives of the wealthy and powerful were worthy of artistic representation
Scenes of leisure and entertainment
- Captured the new forms of leisure and entertainment that emerged in the late 19th century as a result of urbanization, industrialization, and the rise of the middle class (cafes, theaters, parks, seaside resorts)
- Depicted people engaged in various recreational activities (dancing, dining, boating, attending concerts) that reflected the changing social and cultural landscape of the time
- Conveyed a sense of the joy, pleasure, and vitality that characterized these moments of respite from the demands of modern life
- Celebrated the democratization of leisure and the idea that all individuals, regardless of class or status, had the right to enjoy the simple pleasures of life
Conveying immediacy and spontaneity
- Impressionists and Post-Impressionists sought to capture the sense of immediacy and spontaneity that characterized their direct, on-the-spot observations of the world around them
- They emphasized the freshness and vitality of their initial impressions, rather than the polished, carefully constructed compositions of traditional academic art
- This focus on immediacy and spontaneity reflected a broader cultural interest in the authentic, unmediated experience of reality and the value of direct, personal engagement with the world
Rapid, on-the-spot execution
- Worked quickly and directly from life, often completing their paintings in a single session to maintain the freshness and intensity of their initial perceptions
- Employed a loose, sketchy brushwork that conveyed a sense of energy, movement, and spontaneity
- Captured the fleeting effects of light, color, and atmosphere as they changed from moment to moment, rather than working from memory or preconceived notions
- Prioritized the immediacy and authenticity of their direct observations over the carefully planned, laboriously executed compositions of traditional studio art
Sketchy, unfinished appearance
- Embraced a rough, unpolished aesthetic that emphasized the process of creation over the finished product
- Left areas of the canvas exposed or partially painted, suggesting the provisional, improvisational nature of their work
- Used visible brushstrokes, drips, and splatters to convey a sense of the artist's presence and the physical act of painting
- Challenged the notion that a work of art must be highly refined, detailed, and polished to be considered complete or successful
- Invited viewers to engage with the painting as a record of the artist's immediate, spontaneous response to the world, rather than as a carefully crafted, illusionistic window onto reality
Evoking sensations and emotions
- Impressionists and Post-Impressionists sought to create art that evoked sensations and emotions in the viewer, rather than simply conveying information or telling a story
- They used color, light, and brushwork to create powerful visual and emotional effects that engaged the viewer's senses and elicited a visceral, intuitive response
- This emphasis on sensation and emotion reflected a broader cultural interest in the subjective, psychological dimensions of human experience and the power of art to communicate inner states and feelings
Stimulating viewer's senses
- Employed vivid, expressive colors and bold, dynamic brushwork to create a sense of energy, movement, and vitality that engaged the viewer's visual senses
- Used loose, broken brushstrokes and optical mixing to create shimmering, vibrating effects that evoked the sensations of light, heat, and atmosphere
- Experimented with the use of complementary colors, contrasts, and juxtapositions to create visual tension, harmony, or dissonance that stimulated the viewer's perceptual faculties
- Invited viewers to actively participate in the sensory experience of the painting, rather than passively absorbing information or narrative content
Eliciting emotional responses
- Used color, form, and composition to convey moods, feelings, and psychological states that resonated with the viewer's own emotions and experiences
- Employed expressive, gestural brushwork and emotive color schemes to communicate the artist's subjective response to the subject, evoking a similar emotional reaction in the viewer
- Created paintings that were highly charged, evocative, and atmospheric, inviting viewers to project their own feelings and associations onto the work
- Sought to create a powerful, immediate connection between the artist's inner world and the viewer's own emotional landscape, fostering a sense of empathy, identification, or catharsis
Interaction of color and light
- Impressionists and Post-Impressionists were fascinated by the ways in which color and light interact in nature, and sought to capture these dynamic, ever-changing relationships in their paintings
- They rejected the traditional use of chiaroscuro and modeling to create the illusion of three-dimensional form, instead using color and light to create a sense of depth, volume, and atmosphere
- This focus on the interplay of color and light reflected a broader interest in the scientific study of optics and perception, as well as a desire to create a more authentic, immersive visual experience for the viewer
Capturing interplay of hues
- Observed the ways in which colors influence and modify each other when placed in proximity, creating vibrant, harmonious, or discordant relationships
- Employed a wide range of hues, often in bold, expressive combinations, to capture the rich, varied palette of the natural world
- Used complementary colors, such as blue and orange or purple and yellow, to create visual contrast, intensity, and optical mixing
- Experimented with the use of , applying small, distinct patches of pure hues that blended optically to create a shimmering, luminous effect
Rendering effects of illumination
- Studied the ways in which light transforms the appearance of colors and forms at different times of day and under various atmospheric conditions
- Captured the subtle nuances of light as it filtered through leaves, reflected off water, or suffused the air with a soft, hazy glow
- Used loose, broken brushstrokes to convey the ephemeral, flickering quality of sunlight and the constantly shifting patterns of light and shadow
- Created a sense of depth and atmosphere by using cooler, more muted colors to suggest distance and warmer, more intense hues to evoke the immediacy of the foreground
- Emphasized the role of light in revealing the essential character and beauty of their subjects, imbuing even the most ordinary scenes with a sense of poetry, mystery, or transcendence
Reaction against industrialization
- Impressionists and Post-Impressionists often expressed a sense of nostalgia or yearning for a simpler, more natural way of life in the face of rapid industrialization and urbanization
- They turned to the beauty and purity of the natural world as a refuge from the noise, pollution, and artificiality of modern city life
- This reaction against industrialization reflected a broader cultural anxiety about the loss of traditional values, the alienation of the individual, and the dehumanizing effects of technological progress
Yearning for unspoiled nature
- Sought out rural, unspoiled landscapes as a source of inspiration and renewal, finding solace in the timeless rhythms and beauty of the natural world (Monet's gardens at Giverny, Cézanne's Mont Sainte-Victoire)
- Depicted scenes of nature that were untouched by the encroachment of industry and urbanization, evoking a sense of harmony, simplicity, and purity
- Celebrated the beauty and vitality of the natural world, finding in it a source of spiritual nourishment and a connection to something greater than the self
- Expressed a romantic, idealized vision of nature as a refuge from the pressures and complexities of modern life, a place of escape, contemplation, and regeneration
Criticism of modern society
- Conveyed a sense of disillusionment or unease with the rapid changes brought about by industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of consumer culture
- Depicted the negative effects of modernization on the lives of ordinary people (workers, farmers, artisans) who were displaced or marginalized by the new economic and social order
- Critiqued the materialism, superficiality, and moral decay of bourgeois society, seeing in it a loss of authentic values and a disconnection from the natural world
- Expressed a sense of alienation or estrangement from the modern world, a feeling of being out of step with the pace and priorities of contemporary life
- Sought to create art that challenged the dominant values and assumptions of their time, offering a vision of a more humane, fulfilling, and spiritually grounded existence
Key Terms to Review (18)
Broken color: Broken color refers to a painting technique where colors are applied in small, distinct strokes that allow the viewer's eye to blend the colors optically rather than mixing them on the palette. This method creates vibrant, dynamic effects and captures light and movement, connecting deeply with various artistic expressions and concepts.
Capturing light: Capturing light refers to the artistic technique of representing the effects of natural light in paintings, particularly through the use of color, brushwork, and composition. This approach is central to the Impressionist movement, where artists aimed to convey the transient qualities of light and its impact on the environment and subjects. The concept emphasizes the perception of light as a dynamic element that alters how we see colors and forms in everyday life.
Claude Monet: Claude Monet was a French painter and a leading figure in the Impressionist movement, known for his innovative approach to capturing light and atmosphere in his works. His emphasis on plein air painting and exploration of color and light transformed the art world and paved the way for future movements.
Color Theory: Color theory is a framework used to understand how colors interact, combine, and affect each other, forming the basis of artistic practices and visual communication. It encompasses principles such as color harmony, the color wheel, and the psychological effects of color, influencing artists' choices in various movements and styles.
Composition: Composition refers to the arrangement of visual elements in a work of art, guiding the viewer's eye and creating a cohesive whole. This involves the use of balance, contrast, harmony, and unity to enhance the overall effectiveness of the artwork. Understanding composition is key for artists to convey their intended message and emotional tone through their creations.
Everyday life: Everyday life refers to the ordinary experiences and activities that individuals engage in daily, reflecting their routines, social interactions, and environments. In the context of art movements, this concept emphasizes the significance of capturing common scenes, people, and moments that are often overlooked, leading artists to reject traditional subjects in favor of more relatable themes.
Impression, Sunrise: Impression, Sunrise is a painting by Claude Monet completed in 1872 that is often credited with giving the Impressionist movement its name. This artwork captures the essence of a sunrise over the harbor of Le Havre and reflects the innovative techniques and philosophies of artists who sought to depict moments in time through light and color rather than detailed realism.
Impressionism: Impressionism is an art movement that originated in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on capturing the fleeting effects of light and color in everyday life. This movement broke away from traditional academic painting by emphasizing spontaneity, visible brush strokes, and the depiction of modern life, often using plein air techniques.
Les xx: Les xx refers to a group of artists and their collective works that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing emotional expression over realism. This movement was characterized by bold colors, distorted forms, and a focus on the artist's subjective experience, which contrasts with the more objective approaches seen in earlier styles. The influence of les xx can be seen across various movements, reflecting changing artistic goals and philosophies.
Modernity: Modernity refers to the cultural, social, and artistic shifts that emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional practices and an embrace of new ideas, forms, and experiences. This transformation is reflected in various art movements that sought to challenge conventions, capture the essence of contemporary life, and explore innovative techniques and philosophies.
Nature: In the context of art, nature refers to the natural world, including landscapes, flora, and fauna, which became a primary subject and source of inspiration for many artists. Artists sought to capture the essence, beauty, and changing qualities of the natural environment, reflecting their emotional responses and philosophical beliefs about life and existence.
Plein air painting: Plein air painting is the practice of painting outdoors, directly from the landscape or subject in front of the artist, rather than in a studio. This approach allows artists to capture the natural light and atmosphere of their surroundings, leading to spontaneous and dynamic compositions.
Post-Impressionism: Post-Impressionism refers to the artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against Impressionism, emphasizing personal expression and symbolic content. This movement expanded on the ideas of Impressionism while exploring new approaches to color, form, and emotional resonance, leading to diverse styles and philosophies in art.
Salon des refusés: The salon des refusés was an exhibition held in Paris in 1863 to showcase artworks that had been rejected from the official Salon, the annual art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. This event became a pivotal moment for artists who challenged traditional artistic standards and conventions, allowing them to gain visibility and recognition.
Starry Night: Starry Night is a famous painting by Vincent van Gogh created in 1889, depicting a swirling night sky filled with bright stars over a quiet town. The artwork captures the emotional intensity and unique vision of the artist, showcasing distinct techniques that convey movement and light.
Subjectivity in art: Subjectivity in art refers to the personal interpretation and emotional response of the artist and the viewer, emphasizing individual experiences and feelings over objective representation. This concept highlights how personal backgrounds, emotions, and perceptions influence artistic expression and appreciation, connecting deeply with leisure activities as art becomes a means of personal expression and enjoyment, while also aligning with various artistic goals and philosophies that prioritize personal vision over traditional norms.
Urbanization: Urbanization refers to the process where an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, leading to the growth of cities and the decline of rural populations. This shift has significant implications for lifestyle changes, economic development, and cultural expression, influencing everything from leisure activities to the art market.
Vincent van gogh: Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter known for his bold use of color, emotional depth, and expressive brushwork. His art challenged traditional approaches and emphasized personal expression, often focusing on landscapes, everyday life, and the human experience, making him a significant figure in the transition from Impressionism to modern art.