Art History II – Renaissance to Modern Era

5.2 Impressionism

Citation:

Impressionism revolutionized art in late 19th-century France. Artists like Monet and Renoir broke from tradition, painting outdoors to capture fleeting light and color. They used quick brushstrokes and vibrant hues to depict everyday scenes, challenging academic norms.

This movement marked a shift from realism to a more subjective approach. Impressionists focused on visual perception, embracing modern subjects and new techniques. Their work paved the way for future art movements, influencing how we see and create art today.

Impressionism's Origins and Context

Historical and Cultural Backdrop

Emerged in France during late 19th century (1860s and 1870s) as reaction against traditional academic painting styles
Coincided with significant social and economic changes (industrialization, urbanization, rise of middle class)
Influenced by technological advancements (invention of photography, availability of portable paint tubes)
Salon des Refusés of 1863 marked crucial moment in Impressionism's development (showcased works rejected by official Paris Salon)
Term "Impressionism" derived from Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Soleil Levant" (exhibited in 1874 at first independent Impressionist exhibition)

Artistic Revolution and Challenges

Artists faced initial criticism and rejection from art establishment
Organized independent exhibitions between 1874 and 1886
Challenged established artistic norms and academic rules
Emphasized importance of capturing immediate visual perception of a scene
Broke away from historical and mythological themes in favor of everyday subjects
Allowed artists to paint outdoors (en plein air) capturing natural light and atmospheric conditions

Impressionist Visual Elements

Color and Light Techniques

Prioritized accurate depiction of light and its changing qualities
Used vibrant, pure colors applied in small, visible brushstrokes
Employed optical mixing (colors placed side by side on canvas to blend in viewer's eye)
Abandoned traditional linear perspective and detailed drawing
Captured fleeting effects of light and atmosphere through loose, spontaneous brushwork
Created sense of movement and visual vibration on canvas
Painted same subject at different times of day to capture variations in color and atmosphere (Monet's Haystacks series)

Composition and Subject Matter

Featured everyday subjects and scenes of modern life (urban landscapes, leisure activities, domestic settings)
Used asymmetrical compositions and unconventional viewpoints (inspired by Japanese prints)
Focused on capturing immediate visual perception rather than meticulously planned compositions
Emphasized atmospheric effects in landscapes (sky, water reflections)
Depicted social life and leisure activities of modern Paris (café scenes, boating parties)
Explored intimate domestic scenes and portraits (women and children in private settings)

Key Impressionist Painters

Pioneering Figures

Claude Monet: Quintessential Impressionist known for series paintings (Water Lilies, Haystacks)
Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Developed style with luminous color and soft brushstrokes (portraits, Parisian social scenes)
Edgar Degas: Combined careful draftsmanship with unconventional compositions (ballet dancers, horse racing)
Camille Pissarro: Explored rural and urban landscapes, later experimented with Neo-Impressionist techniques
Berthe Morisot: Created intimate portraits and domestic scenes with delicate, luminous quality

Distinctive Styles and Subjects

Alfred Sisley: Specialized in landscape painting capturing subtle atmospheric effects (French countryside, sky and water)
Mary Cassatt: American artist working in France, combined Impressionist techniques with Japanese print influences (mothers and children)
Gustave Caillebotte: Blended Impressionist techniques with more realistic style (urban scenes, floor scrapers)
Frédéric Bazille: Early Impressionist who combined figure painting with outdoor scenes (summer landscapes with figures)
Armand Guillaumin: Known for vibrant use of color in landscape paintings (rural and urban scenes)

Impressionism's Impact on Modern Art

Influence on Subsequent Movements

Paved way for Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Expressionism
Influenced development of Abstract Expressionism and other 20th-century styles
Laid groundwork for later investigations into color theory and abstraction
Contributed to democratization of art subjects and themes in 20th century
Set precedent for avant-garde movements and alternative art spaces

Legacy in Artistic Practices

Emphasis on capturing visual effects of light and color continued in modern art
Rejection of academic rules influenced modernist attitudes towards artistic freedom
Exploration of optical effects and perception inspired further artistic experimentation
Practice of working outdoors had lasting impact on landscape painting techniques
Use of visible brushstrokes and pure color adopted by various modern art movements
Challenge to traditional art institutions inspired future artists to seek alternative exhibition spaces

Key Terms to Review (26)

Salon des refusés: The salon des refusés was an exhibition held in Paris in 1863 for artworks that were rejected from the official Salon, which was the main art exhibition of the French Academy. This event was a significant turning point in the art world, allowing artists who challenged traditional norms to showcase their work, which laid the groundwork for movements like Romanticism and Impressionism, as it highlighted alternative perspectives on art that deviated from established conventions.

Impressionism: Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its focus on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in everyday scenes through loose brushwork and vibrant colors. It marked a significant shift from traditional techniques, emphasizing spontaneity and perception over realism. The movement challenged established norms and paved the way for modern art, influencing various styles that followed.

Romanticism: Romanticism was an artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature and the past. It was a reaction against the strict rationalism of the Enlightenment and the neoclassical style, seeking to evoke deep feelings and connect to the sublime. This movement influenced various forms of art, including literature, painting, and music, fostering a spirit of creativity and imagination that persisted into modern art.

Optical Mixing: Optical mixing is a technique where colors are combined visually rather than physically mixing pigments. This method relies on the viewer's perception to blend colors seen side by side, creating a new hue from their interaction. It plays a significant role in capturing light and atmosphere, essential elements of the Impressionist movement, which emphasized the effects of natural light on color.

Art criticism in the 19th century: Art criticism in the 19th century refers to the evaluation and interpretation of art during a period marked by significant social, political, and artistic change. This era saw a shift from traditional academic standards to new movements such as Romanticism and Impressionism, which emphasized personal expression and the artist's perspective. Critics played a crucial role in shaping public perception of these emerging styles, often influencing the market and reception of artworks.

Parisian Urban Life: Parisian urban life refers to the vibrant and dynamic lifestyle experienced by the inhabitants of Paris during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by rapid industrialization, cultural flourishing, and social change. This period saw the emergence of new artistic movements, such as Impressionism, which were influenced by the bustling streets, cafés, and public spaces of the city, reflecting the energy and diversity of its populace.

Color theory: Color theory is a set of principles used to understand how colors interact and how they can be combined effectively in art and design. It explores the relationships between colors, including primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, as well as concepts like complementary colors and color harmony. This theory is essential for artists to create mood, depth, and visual interest in their work, especially during movements that emphasized color's emotional and expressive power.

Critique of the salon: The critique of the salon refers to the artistic and cultural movement that emerged in response to the conservative and formal art exhibitions hosted by the French Academy, known as the Salon. This critique often highlighted the limitations of traditional artistic standards, favoring innovation and personal expression, which became foundational for movements like Impressionism. As artists began to reject established norms, they sought alternative venues to exhibit their work, leading to a broader acceptance of diverse styles and techniques.

Everyday subject matter: Everyday subject matter refers to the depiction of ordinary scenes and common activities in art, often highlighting the mundane aspects of life. This approach emphasizes the beauty found in daily experiences, capturing moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. In this context, the focus on everyday life represents a shift in artistic priorities, as artists sought to represent the world around them in a more relatable and accessible manner.

Capturing light: Capturing light refers to the artistic practice of representing the effects of natural light in a way that conveys the ambiance and atmosphere of a scene. This technique became a hallmark of Impressionism, where artists sought to depict fleeting moments and the dynamic qualities of light, using loose brushwork and vibrant colors to express movement and emotion.

Broken color: Broken color refers to a painting technique where colors are applied in small, distinct strokes or patches rather than blended smoothly. This method creates a shimmering effect and captures the play of light on surfaces, which is a hallmark of certain styles, especially Impressionism. By using broken color, artists convey movement and the fleeting nature of light, enhancing the overall vibrancy of their works.

Gustave Caillebotte: Gustave Caillebotte was a French painter associated with the Impressionist movement, known for his innovative approach to perspective and use of light. His works often depicted urban scenes and everyday life, showcasing the modernity of Paris in the late 19th century. Caillebotte's unique style and compositions contributed significantly to the development of Impressionism, influencing both his contemporaries and future artists.

Armand Guillaumin: Armand Guillaumin was a French painter and a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement, known for his vibrant use of color and light in landscapes and urban scenes. His work often reflects a unique interpretation of nature and everyday life, emphasizing the effects of light and atmosphere, which are key characteristics of Impressionism.

First impressionist exhibition: The first Impressionist exhibition took place in 1874 in Paris, showcasing the works of a group of artists who would eventually define the Impressionist movement. This event marked a significant break from traditional art conventions, emphasizing the importance of capturing light and color through loose brushwork and modern subject matter. It was a pivotal moment for these artists, providing them with a platform to display their innovative techniques and ideas to the public.

Mary Cassatt: Mary Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker, known for her influential role in the Impressionist movement. She gained recognition for her depictions of women and children, often highlighting intimate moments in their lives, which challenged traditional portrayals of femininity in art. Cassatt's unique perspective and style contributed significantly to the development of Impressionism, as she often incorporated bold colors, loose brushwork, and a focus on everyday life.

Camille Pissarro: Camille Pissarro was a Danish-French painter known for being a key figure in the Impressionist movement. He played a significant role in developing and promoting the style, focusing on the effects of light and color in his work, often depicting rural and urban scenes with a unique perspective that emphasized the changing nature of life.

Berthe Morisot: Berthe Morisot was a prominent French painter and a key figure in the Impressionist movement, known for her delicate brushwork and ability to capture the nuances of light and color. As one of the few female artists in a predominantly male group, her work focused on domestic life and women's experiences, often depicting intimate scenes that showcased her unique perspective.

Edgar Degas: Edgar Degas was a French artist renowned for his contributions to Impressionism, particularly through his innovative techniques in capturing movement and the human form. He is best known for his paintings, sculptures, and pastels that often depict ballet dancers and scenes of everyday life, merging traditional academic practices with modern perspectives that define the Impressionist movement.

Frédéric Bazille: Frédéric Bazille was a French painter associated with the Impressionist movement, known for his vibrant color palettes and innovative compositions that capture everyday scenes and landscapes. His work is characterized by a fresh approach to light and color, reflecting the central tenets of Impressionism while also exploring the human figure in outdoor settings.

Alfred Sisley: Alfred Sisley was a prominent Impressionist painter, known for his landscapes that beautifully captured the effects of light and atmosphere. His work is characterized by a unique ability to convey the changing seasons and the beauty of nature, making him a significant figure in the Impressionist movement, alongside artists like Monet and Renoir. Although often overshadowed by his contemporaries, Sisley's dedication to plein air painting and his masterful use of color and brushwork have solidified his reputation in art history.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Pierre-Auguste Renoir was a French artist and a leading figure in the Impressionist movement, known for his vibrant use of color and light, as well as his focus on capturing everyday life and human emotion. His work often emphasized the beauty of the human form and the play of sunlight in natural settings, reflecting the movement's core principles of spontaneity and perception.

Claude Monet: Claude Monet was a French painter and a founder of the Impressionist movement, known for his innovative approach to capturing light and color in the natural world. His work often depicted landscapes, gardens, and everyday scenes, emphasizing the effects of changing light on the subjects. Monet's techniques involved loose brushwork and a vibrant color palette, which helped to convey the transient beauty of moments in time.

Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a transformative period that began in the late 18th century, marked by a shift from agrarian economies to industrialized ones, driven by advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. This movement significantly altered social, economic, and cultural landscapes, paving the way for modernity. It brought about urbanization, new labor dynamics, and changing artistic expressions that challenged traditional ways of seeing the world.

Post-impressionism: Post-impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against the limitations of Impressionism, focusing on personal expression and emotional resonance over naturalistic representation. It sought to explore new techniques and perspectives in color, form, and composition, while also emphasizing the artist's subjective experience. This movement laid the groundwork for various modern art movements, influencing styles that followed, such as Fauvism and Cubism.

Plein air painting: Plein air painting refers to the practice of painting outdoors, capturing the natural light and atmosphere of a scene directly from life. This technique emphasizes spontaneity, immediacy, and the transient qualities of light, which are essential elements in conveying the artist's interpretation of the landscape or subject matter. Plein air painting played a significant role in shaping movements that focus on realism and impressionism, as artists sought to depict their surroundings with authenticity and emotion.

Realism: Realism is an artistic movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, characterized by the portrayal of everyday life and ordinary people, often highlighting social issues and the human condition. This movement sought to reject the idealized forms of Romanticism and academic art, focusing instead on capturing the world as it is, with an emphasis on accuracy and detail in representation. Realism connects deeply with various art periods, revealing shifts in society's views and concerns.

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