Impressionism

Period: 1865 – 1885

Characteristics: Emphasis on light and colour, loose brushwork, everyday subjects

Events: Exhibition of the Anonymous Society of Painters, Sculptors, and Printmakers (1874), Monet’s creation of “Impression, Sunrise” (1872), The Birth of Neo-Impressionism (1886)

Introduction

Art has held a special place in our hearts since the dawn of human expression, reflecting our emotions, beliefs, and way of life. As time progressed, new art movements emerged, capturing artists’ and society’s changing thoughts and attitudes. Enter Impressionism – a game-changer that shook up the art world with its dreamy portrayal of fleeting moments in everyday life, using soft brushstrokes and luminous colours.

Impressionism wasn’t just a new painting style. It was a rebellion against the strict art rules of the 19th century. It dared to show the essence of a moment rather than getting caught up in every tiny detail. This movement didn’t just leave a mark on art – it rewrote the rules, setting the stage for the modern art we know today and forever changing how we perceive and appreciate art.

Origins of Impressionism

Impressionism emerged in the late 19th century, primarily in France. It was a bold reaction against the rigid conventions and formalism of the academic painting that dominated the art world at the time. The traditional art establishment, epitomised by institutions like the École des Beaux-Arts and the Salon de Paris, favoured highly detailed, polished works with historical, mythological, or religious themes.

However, dissatisfied with these constraints, a group of young artists bravely sought to capture contemporary life and the fleeting effects of light and colour in their work. This new approach was first showcased in an independent exhibition in 1874, organised by artists including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, and Berthe Morisot, who would become some of the most prominent figures of the movement.

The name “Impressionism” itself was derived from a derogatory critique of Claude Monet’s painting “Impression, Sunrise” (1872), exhibited in the 1874 show. A critic mockingly referred to the artwork as merely an “impression” rather than a finished painting, highlighting the movement’s departure from detailed realism. Monet’s piece exemplified the core characteristics of Impressionism: loose brushwork, vibrant colours, and a focus on capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere. Initially intended as a slight, the group embraced this label and became synonymous with their innovative approach to painting.

Impressionist artists were influenced by rapid urban life and technological changes during the late 19th century. The Industrial Revolution transformed cities like Paris, leading to new modes of transportation, urban landscapes, and a burgeoning middle class. These societal shifts provided fresh subjects and settings for artists and deeply influenced their artistic vision.

Impressionists often painted en plein air (outdoors) to directly observe and depict the changing environment. Innovations such as portable paint tubes and the development of new synthetic pigments facilitated this practice, allowing artists to work quickly and spontaneously and capture the momentary effects of light and weather.

Moreover, Impressionism was influenced by advancements in optics and colour theory. Scientists like Michel Eugène Chevreul and Hermann von Helmholtz explored the principles of colour contrast and the behaviour of light, which Impressionist artists applied to their work. Instead of mixing pigments on a palette, they placed pure, unmixed colours side by side on the canvas, allowing the viewer’s eye to blend them optically. This technique and its emphasis on capturing everyday scenes and the natural world set Impressionism apart from previous artistic movements. Despite initial resistance and criticism, Impressionism gradually gained acceptance and laid the groundwork for subsequent movements like Post-Impressionism and Modernism.

Characteristics of Impressionism

The Impressionist art movement breathed fresh air in the 19th century. Instead of sticking to traditional rules, these artists were all about capturing life’s fleeting moments with a burst of colour and light. They ditched the old-school approach to painting and went for something more lively and immediate.

What set Impressionism apart was its emphasis on depicting the world as we see it in a single moment. Instead of painstakingly perfecting every detail, they opted for quick, lively brushstrokes and vibrant colours to capture how light plays with the world around us. It was about portraying the world through the artist’s eyes rather than striving for photographic precision.

And let’s not overlook their choice of subjects – no more stuffy, historical scenes for these artists. Instead, they brought everyday life to the canvas, from bustling city scenes to serene countryside landscapes. They weren’t afraid to embrace modern life and show the beauty in the ordinary, making their art relatable to all.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Impressionists was their rebellious spirit. They broke free from the constraints of traditional art, choosing personal expression over conformity. They fearlessly challenged the status quo, and that’s what made their work so inspiring and groundbreaking.

Impressionism in Art

Impressionism left an unforgettable mark on the art world, fundamentally reshaping how artists approach their craft. Among the many artists who contributed to the movement, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir stand out for their outstanding interpretations of the world.

Claude Monet

Claude Monet, an influential figure in the Impressionist movement, was born in 1840 in Paris. His early passion for art led him to study in Le Havre and later in Paris, where he built relationships with fellow artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet, and Camille Pissarro, all of whom greatly influenced his work. Monet’s deep connection with nature shaped his artistic style, and his dedication to painting outdoors was revolutionary and became a defining characteristic of Impressionism.

One of Monet’s most renowned series is the Water Lilies, depicting his garden in Giverny. These paintings skillfully capture the play of light, water, and foliage, showcasing his ability to depict the ephemeral nature of natural light and colour. Each piece reflects Monet’s artistic philosophy of capturing fleeting moments filled with atmospheric nuances and translating them onto the canvas.

Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas, born in 1834 in Paris, played a crucial role in the Impressionist movement. Despite his formal academic training at École des Beaux-Arts, he gradually embraced a more experimental approach, deviating from the naturalistic tendencies of his peers. Fascinated by Parisian life, Degas predominantly depicted urban scenes such as racecourses, cafés, and ballet dancers.

His interest in ballet culminated in his masterpiece, The Dance Class, which showcases innovative composition and perspective, possibly influenced by the rise of photography. The painting captures a candid behind-the-scenes moment, portraying dancers in various states of rest and rehearsal with a distinctive off-centre focus that infuses a spontaneous feel. Degas’ acute sensitivity to movement and his insightful study of human anatomy are eloquently displayed, offering a vibrant portrayal of Parisian life.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, born in Limoges, France, in 1841 was a prominent artist in the Impressionist movement. Initially known for his work on porcelain, he later studied in Paris under Charles Gleyre, where he crossed paths with artists such as Monet, Frederic Bazille, and Alfred Sisley. His exploration of plein-air painting during this period greatly influenced his unique style, characterised by vibrant colours and a profound sense of joy and vitality.

One of Renoir’s most famous pieces, Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, captures a typical Sunday afternoon at Moulin de la Galette in Montmartre, Paris. The painting masterfully conveys the atmosphere of leisure and enjoyment through light, colour, and attention to detail. It serves as a tribute to the lively Parisian society of the late 19th century, showcasing Renoir’s talent for depicting scenes of exuberant life with warmth and enthusiasm.

Conclusion

Impressionism burst onto the art scene like fresh air, revolutionising how artists captured light and colour. The techniques and principles introduced by the Impressionists have continued to inspire artists worldwide, shaping the essence of creative expression.

This pivotal turning point in art history didn’t just influence painting – its ripple effects extended into literature, music, and film, shaping the very essence of these art forms. Impressionism represents the eternal quest for artistic freedom and the incredible power of perception. When we lose ourselves in the delicate interplay of light and colour in an Impressionist painting, we are reminded of the extraordinary beauty of everyday moments and art’s transformative magic.