Impressionism

Definition

Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on capturing the effects of light and color through loose brushwork and an emphasis on the momentary perception of a scene. This movement marked a shift away from traditional techniques and subject matter, seeking to express the fleeting impressions of everyday life, landscapes, and urban scenes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impressionism began in France in the 1860s and was initially met with criticism from traditional art institutions and critics.
2. The name 'Impressionism' comes from Claude Monet's painting 'Impression, Sunrise,' which was exhibited in 1874 and was pivotal in defining the movement.
3. Impressionist artists often painted en plein air, meaning they worked outdoors to capture the changing qualities of light in their surroundings.
4. The movement included notable artists such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, each contributing unique perspectives to the style.
5. Impressionism laid the groundwork for subsequent modern art movements by challenging conventional approaches to color, form, and perspective.

Review Questions

• How did Impressionist artists redefine traditional painting techniques and subject matter?
  • Impressionist artists redefined traditional painting techniques by using loose brushwork, vibrant colors, and a focus on capturing light's effects rather than precise details. They shifted subject matter from historical or mythological themes to everyday scenes, landscapes, and moments from modern life. This move towards spontaneity allowed them to express their personal impressions of the world around them.
• What were some of the social and cultural factors that influenced the emergence of Impressionism in 19th century France?
  • The emergence of Impressionism in 19th century France was influenced by rapid urbanization due to the Industrial Revolution, which transformed city life and created new subjects for artists. Additionally, advancements in paint technology allowed for easier outdoor painting with tube paints. Socially, a growing middle class sought new forms of leisure and culture, which Impressionists captured in their works, reflecting contemporary life.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Impressionism on the development of modern art movements that followed it.
  • Impressionism significantly impacted the development of modern art movements by breaking away from traditional techniques and encouraging experimentation with color, form, and perspective. Its emphasis on individual perception laid the groundwork for Post-Impressionism and movements like Fauvism and Cubism. This shift inspired artists to explore abstraction and personal expression further, ultimately shaping the trajectory of 20th-century art.

Related terms

Post-Impressionism: An art movement that followed Impressionism, which sought to build on its techniques while emphasizing more structure and emotional content in the artwork.

Plein Air Painting: The practice of painting outdoors to capture the natural light and atmosphere directly, which was essential to the Impressionist approach.

Color Theory: The study of how colors interact and affect each other, playing a critical role in the Impressionist technique of using color to convey light and shadow.