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Art History II – Renaissance to Modern Era
Table of Contents
Unit 5 Overview: Realism & Impressionism in Art
5.1 Realism
5.2 Impressionism
5.3 Post-Impressionism

Post-Impressionism emerged as artists sought to expand on Impressionism's ideas. They kept the focus on color and light but added more structure and emotion to their work. This movement bridged the gap between Impressionism and early modern art.

Key artists like Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Gauguin pushed boundaries with bold colors and new techniques. Their innovations paved the way for major 20th-century art movements like Cubism, Expressionism, and Fauvism.

Post-Impressionism: Definition and Origins

Emergence and Characteristics

  • Post-Impressionism emerged as a reaction to Impressionism in the late 19th century
    • Sought to expand upon and challenge Impressionist principles
    • Retained some core elements of Impressionism
  • British art critic Roger Fry coined the term "Post-Impressionism" in 1910
    • Described works building on Impressionist color and light techniques
    • Rejected Impressionism's emphasis on naturalistic depictions
  • Post-Impressionist artists aimed to convey greater emotional and symbolic content
    • Employed more structured compositions
    • Used bolder color choices than Impressionist predecessors
  • Movement explored deeper, more subjective interpretations of reality
    • Focused on artist's inner vision rather than fleeting moments
  • Post-Impressionist works often featured:
    • Distorted forms
    • Arbitrary colors
    • Greater emphasis on geometric shapes and patterns
    • Move away from strict optical realism

Relationship to Impressionism and Modernism

  • Post-Impressionism bridged the gap between Impressionism and early modernist movements
    • Connected to 20th century movements (Fauvism, Cubism)
    • Introduced more expressive and abstract elements into painting
  • Retained some core elements of Impressionism:
    • Interest in color and light
    • Focus on everyday subjects
  • Diverged from Impressionism in key ways:
    • Rejected emphasis on capturing fleeting atmospheric effects
    • Moved beyond naturalistic representation
    • Prioritized subjective interpretation over objective observation
  • Laid groundwork for modernist experimentation:
    • Encouraged individual artistic vision
    • Explored new ways of representing three-dimensional space
    • Emphasized emotional and symbolic content in art

Major Post-Impressionist Artists

Pioneers and Innovators

  • Paul Cézanne revolutionized approach to form and space
    • Emphasized geometric simplification
    • Explored multiple perspectives in single compositions
    • Laid groundwork for Cubism (Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque)
  • Vincent van Gogh developed highly expressive style
    • Characterized by bold colors (vivid yellows, deep blues)
    • Used impasto technique for thick, textured paint application
    • Created emotionally charged brushstrokes
    • Influenced development of Expressionism (Die Brücke, Der Blaue Reiter)
  • Georges Seurat pioneered Pointillism
    • Developed systematic approach to color theory
    • Used optical mixing with tiny dots of pure color
    • Influenced later movements (Op Art)
  • Paul Gauguin explored primitive art forms and bold color use
    • Contributed to development of Symbolism
    • Influenced Fauvism (Henri Matisse)
    • Used non-naturalistic colors for emotional impact (vivid reds, yellows)

Lesser-Known but Influential Artists

  • Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec captured Parisian nightlife
    • Developed distinctive graphic style
    • Influenced poster art and lithography as fine art medium
    • Created works depicting cabaret performers (Moulin Rouge)
  • Édouard Vuillard and Pierre Bonnard, known as the Nabis
    • Focused on intimate, decorative scenes
    • Used flattened forms and patterns
    • Anticipated aspects of Art Nouveau
    • Created works featuring domestic interiors and gardens

Styles and Techniques of Post-Impressionism

Color and Brushwork Innovations

  • Pointillism developed by Georges Seurat and Paul Signac
    • Applied small, distinct dots of pure color
    • Created luminous effects when viewed from a distance
    • Used complementary colors for optical mixing (red/green, blue/orange)
  • Van Gogh's impasto technique
    • Applied thick layers of paint with expressive brushstrokes
    • Created tactile surface and intense emotional impact
    • Used swirling brushstrokes in works (Starry Night)
  • Expressive use of color
    • Artists used color subjectively to convey emotion and symbolic meaning
    • Moved away from naturalistic representation
    • Gauguin used arbitrary colors for emotional effect (yellow Christ)

Form and Composition Techniques

  • Cézanne's approach to form and space
    • Constructed forms through color planes
    • Used multiple perspectives in single composition
    • Challenged traditional notions of perspective and volume
    • Created still life works with shifted viewpoints (apples, bottles)
  • Gauguin's Synthetism
    • Combined simplified forms and flat areas of pure color
    • Used strong outlines to create symbolic and decorative compositions
    • Drew inspiration from Japanese prints and primitive art
    • Created works with flattened perspective (Vision After the Sermon)
  • Toulouse-Lautrec's graphic style
    • Incorporated elements of Japanese woodblock prints
    • Featured flattened forms and bold outlines
    • Used cropped compositions in depictions of Parisian life
    • Created posters with simplified forms and text integration

Decorative and Symbolic Approaches

  • Nabis artists' experimentation
    • Used decorative patterns and flattened perspectives
    • Created intimiste interiors
    • Employed muted color palette and soft edges
    • Produced works with patterned wallpapers and fabrics (Vuillard)
  • Symbolic use of form and color
    • Artists imbued their works with personal and spiritual symbolism
    • Used color and form to represent emotional states
    • Created dreamlike or allegorical scenes (Gauguin's Where Do We Come From?)

Post-Impressionism's Impact on Modern Art

Influence on Early 20th Century Movements

  • Post-Impressionism paved way for avant-garde movements
    • Emphasized subjective expression and formal experimentation
    • Encouraged artistic innovation and individual vision
  • Cézanne's influence on Cubism
    • Analytical approach to form and space inspired Picasso and Braque
    • Revolutionized representation of three-dimensional objects on flat surface
    • Led to development of analytical and synthetic Cubism
  • Van Gogh's impact on Expressionism
    • Emotionally charged use of color and brushwork influenced German Expressionists
    • Inspired artists in Die Brücke and Der Blaue Reiter groups
    • Led to development of Abstract Expressionism in mid-20th century
  • Gauguin's influence on Fauvism
    • Use of non-naturalistic color inspired Fauvist movement
    • Henri Matisse and others explored expressive potential of pure color
    • Led to "wild beasts" style with vivid, non-representational colors

Legacy in Later 20th Century Art

  • Contribution to modernist ethos
    • Rejection of academic traditions encouraged artistic experimentation
    • Emphasis on individual vision promoted diverse artistic styles
  • Influence on Symbolism and Surrealism
    • Exploration of symbolic and spiritual themes inspired later movements
    • Encouraged artists to delve into realms of imagination and subconscious
    • Influenced works of Symbolists (Odilon Redon) and Surrealists (Salvador Dalí)
  • Impact on abstract art movements
    • Post-Impressionist experimentation with form and color led to abstraction
    • Influenced development of Abstract Expressionism (Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning)
    • Inspired Color Field painting (Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman)
  • Traces in contemporary art
    • Elements of Post-Impressionist style visible in aspects of Pop Art
    • Continued influence on contemporary painters exploring color and form
    • Legacy evident in diverse range of 21st century artistic practices

Key Terms to Review (21)

Rise of modernity: The rise of modernity refers to the cultural, artistic, and intellectual transformation that occurred from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, marked by a shift away from traditional forms and a move towards experimentation and innovation. This period brought about new ways of seeing and understanding the world, influencing various art movements, including Post-Impressionism, which embraced personal expression and subjective experiences over mere representation.
Formalism: Formalism is an approach to art that emphasizes the formal elements of a work, such as color, shape, line, and composition, over content or context. This perspective focuses on how these elements work together to create a visual experience, often leading to a more objective analysis of art rather than subjective interpretation. It plays a significant role in various movements that prioritize aesthetic quality and structural integrity.
Symbolic use of color: Symbolic use of color refers to the intentional application of color in artworks to convey deeper meanings, emotions, and themes beyond mere representation. This technique allows artists to evoke certain feelings, establish atmosphere, or represent specific ideas, often tied to cultural or historical contexts. In this sense, colors are not just visual elements but powerful symbols that enhance the narrative and emotional impact of the work.
Symbolism in Art: Symbolism in art refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas, emotions, or concepts beyond their literal meaning. This movement emerged in the late 19th century as artists sought to express deeper meanings and explore subjective experiences, often through the use of metaphor and allegory. Symbolism aimed to evoke emotional responses and transcend reality by utilizing various visual symbols that conveyed complex ideas, challenging viewers to interpret the work beyond its surface.
Emphasis on geometric forms: Emphasis on geometric forms refers to the artistic focus on the use of simple, recognizable shapes and structures in artwork, often to convey deeper meaning or to create visual harmony. This approach is significant in how it reflects a move towards abstraction, prioritizing composition and form over realistic representation. Artists using this method often manipulate geometric elements to create rhythm, balance, and unity within their pieces.
Salon des indépendants: The salon des indépendants was an annual art exhibition in Paris that started in 1884, designed to showcase works by artists who were not part of the traditional academic system. It became a significant venue for avant-garde artists, allowing them to present their work without the restrictions imposed by established art institutions, thus playing a vital role in the evolution of modern art, particularly during the Post-Impressionist movement.
Arbitrary colors: Arbitrary colors refer to the use of colors in art that do not necessarily reflect the actual colors found in nature. Instead, these colors are chosen for their emotional or expressive qualities, allowing artists to convey feelings or ideas rather than merely represent reality. This technique is particularly prominent in movements that prioritize individual expression and subjective experience over realism.
Geometric shapes and patterns: Geometric shapes and patterns refer to the use of precise, often mathematically defined forms and repeating designs in visual art. These elements create structure and organization within compositions, contributing to the overall aesthetic experience and meaning of the artwork. In various art movements, including Post-Impressionism, these shapes and patterns serve to evoke emotion and convey complex ideas through abstraction and stylization.
Exhibition of the impressionists: The exhibition of the impressionists refers to a series of independent art shows held in Paris from 1874 onwards, where a group of artists presented their work outside the traditional Salon system. This movement aimed to showcase a new style that emphasized light, color, and everyday scenes, fundamentally changing the course of modern art.
Color perspective: Color perspective is an artistic technique used to create an illusion of depth and space by manipulating color hues, saturation, and brightness. This method enhances the three-dimensionality of a composition, allowing viewers to perceive varying distances in a painting based on how colors are used. It plays a significant role in achieving emotional resonance and atmospheric effects in artwork.
Emotional and symbolic content: Emotional and symbolic content refers to the expressive elements in art that evoke feelings and convey deeper meanings beyond the literal visual representation. In the context of Post-Impressionism, artists utilized vibrant colors, unique forms, and exaggerated techniques to express personal emotions and to symbolize complex ideas, often reflecting their inner experiences or social commentary.
Brushstroke technique: Brushstroke technique refers to the specific way artists apply paint to the canvas using a brush, influencing the texture, movement, and emotional impact of a painting. This technique can vary greatly among artists and styles, often embodying personal expression and creative intent. In the context of Post-Impressionism, brushstroke technique became a vital means for artists to convey their subjective experiences and emotions through distinctive applications of color and form.
Paul Gauguin - 'Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?': This painting by Paul Gauguin, created in 1897-1898, serves as a profound exploration of existential questions through a vivid and symbolic portrayal of Tahitian life. The artwork is considered a cornerstone of Post-Impressionism, characterized by its bold colors and strong emotional resonance, representing Gauguin's quest for meaning in life, identity, and the human experience.
Synthetism: Synthetism is an artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, primarily associated with Post-Impressionism, where artists sought to combine the use of color and form to express emotional and symbolic content rather than just representational accuracy. This approach involved synthesizing various elements such as color, line, and shape to create a more subjective interpretation of reality, often reflecting the artist's inner feelings and ideas.
Pointillism: Pointillism is an artistic technique that uses small, distinct dots of color applied in patterns to form an image. This method, developed by Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, relies on the viewer's eye to blend the colors optically rather than physically mixing paint. Pointillism is significant within the broader context of Post-Impressionism as it represents a departure from traditional painting techniques, emphasizing color theory and optical effects.
Georges Seurat - 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte': 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte' is a painting by French artist Georges Seurat, created between 1884 and 1886. It is renowned for its innovative use of pointillism, a technique where small dots of color are applied to the canvas to form an image. This work exemplifies key aspects of Post-Impressionism, focusing on color theory, light, and the emotional resonance of everyday life.
Vincent van gogh - 'starry night': 'Starry Night' is a renowned painting by Vincent van Gogh created in 1889, showcasing a swirling night sky filled with stars above a quiet village. This masterpiece is a prime example of Post-Impressionism, emphasizing emotional expression through vivid colors and bold brushstrokes, moving beyond mere representation of reality. The painting reflects Van Gogh's turbulent state of mind and his fascination with the night, embodying the transition from Impressionism to a more personal and symbolic style.
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.
Paul Cézanne - 'The Basket of Apples': 'The Basket of Apples' is a still life painting created by French artist Paul Cézanne around 1893, which showcases his innovative approach to form and color. This work exemplifies the characteristics of Post-Impressionism, as Cézanne sought to move beyond the fleeting impressions of the Impressionists by focusing on structure, stability, and a more thoughtful composition. The painting is notable for its unique perspective, bold colors, and use of geometric shapes that laid the groundwork for modern art.
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.