Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Impressionism is an art movement that originated in the late 19th century. It sought to capture fleeting moments and impressions of light, color, and atmosphere through loose brushwork and a focus on the effects of light on objects.
An art movement that followed impressionism in the late 19th century. It retained some impressionistic techniques but also explored new forms, perspectives, and emotional expressions.
Claude Monet: One of the most famous impressionist painters known for his series of paintings capturing different lighting conditions on haystacks or water lilies.
Edgar Degas: A French artist associated with impressionism who focused on depicting scenes from modern urban life, particularly ballet dancers and horse racing events.