Impressionism

Definition

Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on capturing light and its changing qualities, often through loose brushwork and vibrant colors. This movement reflected the rapid changes in society and urban life during the Industrial Revolution, emphasizing fleeting moments and everyday scenes that illustrated life in the bustling industrial cities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impressionism was officially recognized as an art movement after the first exhibition in 1874, where works by artists like Claude Monet and Edgar Degas were displayed.
2. The movement was named after Monet's painting 'Impression, Sunrise,' which exemplified the emphasis on light and its effects on landscapes.
3. Impressionists often painted outdoors (en plein air) to capture the natural light and atmosphere of a scene, moving away from traditional studio settings.
4. This movement challenged the rigid rules of academic art, leading to criticism from established artists and institutions, but ultimately paved the way for modern art.
5. Impressionism reflected broader social changes of the time, including urbanization and shifts in how people experienced daily life in rapidly growing industrial cities.

Review Questions

• How did Impressionism reflect the societal changes brought about by industrialization in urban areas?
  • Impressionism captured the essence of life in rapidly industrializing cities by focusing on everyday scenes, such as street life, parks, and cafes. The loose brushwork and emphasis on light highlighted the fleeting moments of daily life that characterized modern urban existence. This artistic approach allowed Impressionists to convey the vibrancy and dynamism of city life while also reflecting the changes in social structures as more people moved into urban areas for work.
• In what ways did Impressionist artists challenge traditional artistic conventions and contribute to the development of modern art?
  • Impressionist artists broke away from traditional academic styles that emphasized precise detail and historical or mythological subjects. They introduced a focus on light, color, and spontaneous moments, which led to a more subjective interpretation of reality. This shift not only redefined artistic techniques but also encouraged subsequent movements like Post-Impressionism to explore further abstraction and emotional expression in art.
• Evaluate the impact of Impressionism on contemporary views of art and how it has shaped modern artistic expression.
  • Impressionism fundamentally changed how we perceive art by prioritizing individual experience over technical perfection. Its emphasis on capturing light and movement resonated with modern themes of spontaneity and subjectivity, influencing a wide range of later movements including Expressionism and Abstract Art. Today, Impressionism is celebrated not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its role in democratizing art, making it more accessible and relatable to the public by depicting ordinary life rather than grand historical narratives.

Related terms

Post-Impressionism: A reaction against Impressionism that emerged in the late 19th century, focusing on more abstract forms and symbolic content while retaining some elements of Impressionist technique.

Realism: An art movement that preceded Impressionism, emphasizing the depiction of everyday life and ordinary people without romanticizing or idealizing them.

Urbanization: The process by which cities grow and societies become more urban, largely driven by industrialization, leading to significant changes in lifestyle and social structures.