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 atmosphere in a scene rather than detailing every aspect. This movement encouraged artists to convey their immediate perceptions of a subject, often using loose brushwork and vibrant colors. The influence of impressionism extended beyond painting, notably impacting photography as artists sought to achieve similar effects in their images.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impressionism began as a response against the strict rules of academic painting, which emphasized detailed realism and historical subjects.
2. The term 'impressionism' originated from a derogatory critique of Claude Monet's painting 'Impression, Sunrise', where it was used to mock the loose style and unfinished appearance.
3. Key figures in impressionism, such as Monet, Renoir, and Degas, often painted scenes of modern life, including urban settings, leisure activities, and landscapes.
4. The movement embraced new technologies like the portable paint tube, which allowed artists to paint outdoors more easily and capture natural light.
5. Impressionism significantly influenced later movements like Post-Impressionism and modern photography, inspiring photographers to explore similar themes of light, color, and perception.

Review Questions

• How did impressionism challenge traditional art forms and conventions of the time?
  • Impressionism challenged traditional art forms by breaking away from the established norms that emphasized detailed realism and historical narratives. Instead, impressionist artists focused on capturing fleeting moments and the effects of light in their work. This approach not only transformed how scenes were represented but also encouraged a more subjective interpretation of reality, allowing for personal expression and spontaneity in art.
• Discuss the ways impressionism influenced the Pictorialism movement in photography.
  • Impressionism greatly influenced Pictorialism by promoting the idea that photography could be an artistic medium rather than just a means of documentation. Pictorialists adopted impressionist principles by using soft focus, manipulated lighting, and artistic compositions to evoke emotional responses. This shared emphasis on atmosphere over detail blurred the lines between photography and painting, leading photographers to experiment with techniques that mirrored those used by impressionist painters.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of impressionism on modern artistic expressions in both painting and photography.
  • The lasting impact of impressionism on modern artistic expressions is evident in how it paved the way for numerous movements that followed, such as Post-Impressionism and abstract art. Its emphasis on color, light, and perception has influenced not only painters but also photographers who seek to capture similar effects in their work. Today, artists continue to draw inspiration from impressionist techniques, pushing boundaries in both mediums while prioritizing personal interpretation over strict realism.

Related terms

Pictorialism: A photographic movement that aimed to elevate photography to the status of fine art by using soft focus and artistic techniques to create dreamlike images.

En plein air: A French term meaning 'in the open air', used to describe the practice of painting outdoors to capture natural light and scenery.

Color theory: The study of how colors interact with each other and how they can be combined to create certain visual effects, crucial to both impressionist painting and photography.