Post-impressionist theory

Definition

Post-impressionist theory refers to the artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a response to Impressionism, emphasizing a more subjective approach to art. Artists associated with this movement sought to convey deeper emotional and symbolic meanings through their work, moving beyond the mere depiction of light and color that characterized Impressionism. The theory encompasses various styles, including Symbolism and Cloisonnism, where bold colors and defined forms played significant roles in shaping the visual experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-impressionist theory originated in France during the late 1880s, as artists began to break away from the naturalism of Impressionism.
2. Key figures associated with post-impressionist theory include Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Paul Gauguin, each contributing unique styles and philosophies.
3. The movement placed a strong emphasis on personal expression and emotional resonance, often using exaggerated colors and forms.
4. Cloisonnism, a specific aspect of post-impressionist theory, was marked by its use of dark outlines to define shapes and bright colors to enhance emotional impact.
5. Post-impressionist theory influenced modern art movements such as Fauvism and Expressionism by encouraging artists to explore individual expression rather than realistic representation.

Review Questions

• How did post-impressionist theory differentiate itself from Impressionism in terms of artistic goals and techniques?
  • Post-impressionist theory differentiated itself from Impressionism by focusing on emotional depth and symbolic meaning rather than simply capturing the fleeting effects of light. While Impressionists aimed for realism through light and color, post-impressionists embraced a more subjective approach, utilizing bold colors, defined forms, and expressive brushwork to convey personal feelings and interpretations. This shift allowed for greater creativity and experimentation in visual expression.
• Discuss how Cloisonnism exemplifies key elements of post-impressionist theory in its approach to form and color.
  • Cloisonnism exemplifies key elements of post-impressionist theory through its distinctive use of bold outlines and vibrant colors that create flat areas within a composition. This technique prioritizes color and form over realistic representation, allowing artists to express emotion and symbolism. By outlining shapes with dark lines, Cloisonnism captures attention while emphasizing the overall design, illustrating how post-impressionists sought deeper meaning beyond traditional subject matter.
• Evaluate the impact of post-impressionist theory on subsequent art movements and its relevance in contemporary art discussions.
  • Post-impressionist theory had a profound impact on subsequent art movements by inspiring artists to prioritize individual expression over realism. Movements such as Fauvism drew from the use of vivid color and emotional resonance found in post-impressionism, while Expressionism embraced its focus on personal experience. This legacy continues in contemporary art discussions where the emphasis on subjective interpretation remains vital, showcasing how post-impressionist principles resonate in modern artistic practices that value emotional depth and innovation.

Related terms

Cloisonnism: A style within post-impressionism characterized by the use of bold outlines and flat areas of color, resembling stained glass.

Pointillism: A technique developed by Georges Seurat that involves applying small dots of color to create images, emphasizing optical mixing.

Symbolism: An artistic movement that sought to express the ideas and emotions behind forms, often using symbols to convey deeper meanings.