Impressionism
A 19th-century art movement characterized by loose brushwork, vibrant colors, and an emphasis on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere.
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Overview
Origin
France
Historical Period
1860s–1900
Cultural Significance
Impressionism, led by artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, broke with academic traditions by focusing on capturing fleeting moments and the effects of light, influencing modern art.
Historical Timeline
1867
Monet, Renoir, and Sisley begin painting outdoors
1874
First Impressionist exhibition
1886
Final Impressionist exhibition
Techniques
Loose brushwork with visible strokes
Vibrant colors to capture light and atmosphere
Focus on everyday subject matter
Painting en plein air (outdoors)
Cultural Context
Impressionism, led by artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, broke with academic traditions by focusing on capturing fleeting moments and the effects of light, influencing modern art.
Did You Know?
Impressionism got its name from Claude Monet's painting 'Impression, Sunrise,' which critics mocked for its sketch-like quality, but it later became a celebrated movement.