Impressionism Art Movement

Impressionism

Definition and Characteristics

• Art movement that emerged in France in the late 19th century (1870s-1880s)
• Characterized by:
  • Emphasis on light and color
  • Use of short, broken brushstrokes
  • Focus on capturing modern life and everyday moments
  • Rejection of traditional techniques and subjects

Key Artists

• Claude Monet: Known for his dreamy, softly focused paintings of landscapes and water scenes
• Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Focused on capturing the beauty and joy of everyday life
• Mary Cassatt: American Impressionist who focused on portraits of women and children
• Edgar Degas: Known for his depictions of dancers and horses in motion
• Camille Pissarro: Focused on landscapes and cityscapes, using bold colors and brushstrokes

Notable Works

• Monet's "Impression, Sunrise" (1872) - gave the movement its name
• Renoir's "Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette" (1876) - captures the joy and energy of a summer evening
• Cassatt's "The Child's Bath" (1893) - a tender portrayal of mother-child intimacy
• Degas's "Dancer at the Barre" (1888) - showcases his ability to capture movement and gesture
• Pissarro's "Red Roofs" (1877) - a vibrant depiction of a rural landscape

Influences and Legacy

• Influenced by:
  • Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints
  • Photography and its ability to capture modern life
• Paved the way for:
  • Post-Impressionism and the development of modern art movements
  • The rise of avant-garde and experimental art

Criticism and Controversy

• Initially rejected by the art establishment and critics
• Accused of being too radical and experimental
• Eventually gained acceptance and recognition, becoming a beloved and iconic art movement

Impressionism

Definition and Characteristics

• Emerged in France in the late 19th century (1870s-1880s)
• Emphasizes light and color, using short, broken brushstrokes
• Focuses on capturing modern life and everyday moments
• Rejects traditional techniques and subjects

Famous Impressionist Artists

• Claude Monet: Dreamy, softly focused paintings of landscapes and water scenes
• Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Captures beauty and joy of everyday life
• Mary Cassatt: Portraits of women and children, American Impressionist
• Edgar Degas: Depicts dancers and horses in motion
• Camille Pissarro: Landscapes and cityscapes with bold colors and brushstrokes

Iconic Works of Impressionism

• "Impression, Sunrise" (1872) by Monet, gave the movement its name
• "Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette" (1876) by Renoir, captures summer evening joy
• "The Child's Bath" (1893) by Cassatt, tender portrayal of mother-child intimacy
• "Dancer at the Barre" (1888) by Degas, showcases movement and gesture
• "Red Roofs" (1877) by Pissarro, vibrant rural landscape

Influences and Legacy

• Influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints
• Influenced by photography's ability to capture modern life
• Paved the way for Post-Impressionism and modern art movements
• Led to the rise of avant-garde and experimental art

Criticism and Controversy

• Initially rejected by art establishment and critics
• Accused of being too radical and experimental
• Eventually gained acceptance and recognition, becoming an iconic art movement

Learn about the Impressionist art movement, its characteristics, and key artists like Monet and Renoir. Discover how they emphasized light and color, and focused on modern life and everyday moments.