Origins and Development

Impressionism emerged in France during the late 19th century as a radical departure from traditional art forms. The movement coalesced in the 1860s when artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Alfred Sisley began painting en plein air (outdoors) to capture the transient effects of light and atmosphere. This approach was facilitated by technological advancements such as the invention of paint in tubes, allowing artists to work outside their studios more easily. The term "Impressionism" was derived from Monet's painting Impression, Sunrise (1872), which was exhibited in 1874 at the First Impressionist Exhibition. The name was initially used derisively by critics but was embraced by the artists themselves. (britannica.com)

Characteristics

Impressionist art is distinguished by several key features:

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  Loose Brushwork: Artists employed short, visible brushstrokes to capture the fleeting effects of light and color, often painting quickly to depict a momentary impression. (theartstory.org)

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  Light and Color: A focus on the accurate depiction of natural light led to the use of pure, unmixed colors applied side by side, allowing the viewer's eye to blend them optically. Shadows were often painted with complementary colors rather than black. (sothebys.com)

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  Everyday Subjects: Departing from historical and mythological themes, Impressionists depicted contemporary life, including urban scenes, landscapes, and leisure activities. (arthistoryarchive.com)

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  Unusual Visual Angles: Influenced by photography and Japanese prints, compositions often featured asymmetry, cropping, and unconventional viewpoints. (sothebys.com)

Major Artists

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  Claude Monet: A leading figure, Monet's works like Impression, Sunrise and his Water Lilies series exemplify the movement's focus on light and atmosphere. (en.wikipedia.org)

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  Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Known for vibrant light and saturated color, Renoir's paintings often depicted social gatherings and intimate moments, as seen in Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette (1876). (en.wikipedia.org)

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  Edgar Degas: While sharing Impressionist interests, Degas focused on movement and human form, particularly in his depictions of dancers and urban life. (sothebys.com)

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  Camille Pissarro: A key figure, Pissarro painted rural and urban scenes, emphasizing natural light and atmosphere. (britannica.com)

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  Berthe Morisot: One of the prominent female Impressionists, Morisot depicted domestic life and portraits with a focus on light and brushwork. (britannica.com)

Influence and Legacy

Impressionism significantly influenced the trajectory of modern art by challenging academic conventions and emphasizing personal perception. It paved the way for movements like Post-Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism, and eventually abstract art. The emphasis on light and color, as well as the practice of painting en plein air, inspired subsequent generations of artists. (sothebys.com)

Critical Reception

Initially, Impressionist works were met with harsh criticism for their unfinished appearance and departure from traditional techniques. Critics denounced their loose brushwork and bright colors as lacking skill. However, over time, the movement gained acceptance and is now celebrated for its innovative approach and contribution to art history. (library.fiveable.me)