Impressionism: History, Techniques and Famous Paintings | Artblr
Impressionism
How a group of young painters defied the Paris Salon to invent Impressionism: its techniques, its key artists and its most famous paintings.
Artblr··14 min read·
In short
Impressionism is a painting movement born in France in the 1860s and 1870s, when Monet, Renoir, Sisley and Bazille rejected the Salon's academic style to paint landscapes and modern life outdoors. With light brush strokes and vivid colours, it captures the impression of light rather than detail.
Impressionism emerged in France in the second half of the 19th century. The Impressionist period offered a totally new style of painting. Impressionism is an art form that shows light and changes of time in an almost accurate way while creating images with consideration for movement. The introduction of impressionist art began in France by artists who resided in Paris at the time. Impressionism at the time was considered an unusual form of painting as it was radically different in style and technique from what was previously obtainable.
Impressionism can be defined as the depiction of an object or scene as it is perceived at a given moment, rather than in precise detail. In much simpler terms, impressionism is an art form that does not pay attention to the detail of images but creates a strong and vivid impression that is just like what you would remember after looking at a scene or landscape. The minds that conceptualized impressionism art were students under the tutelage of Charles Gleyre. Owing to their dissatisfaction with religious and mythological paintings they banded together to pursue their fascination with landscape painting and paintings of modern day life scenes.
Some of what influenced impressionism is the love for a livelier art form. More than any other theme, impressionism art became known for depicting landscapes and sceneries in the most captivating way. Impressionism was also used to capture scenes of modern life. Impressionist art could depict light and the atmosphere of the outside environment with a remarkable level of accuracy. As opposed to still-life and portraits, the emergence of impressionism art saw the creation of what could be described as fresh art.
While impressionism art faced resistance in the beginning, people soon began to appreciate the incredible accuracy with which impressions of the eye are captured in the painting. The acceptance of impressionism soon led to the emergence of a variety of other painting styles that deemphasized the outlining of images. Art forms like Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism owe their emergence to impressionism art.
Impressionist techniques
The Boulevard Montmartre on a Winter Morning
Image via https://www.metmuseum.org
One thing that was crucial to the creation of impressionistic artworks is the use of light brush strokes. It is nearly impossible to create an impressionist painting without mastery of using faint brush strokes. Impressionism does not focus on precise detail; as a result, the use of light brush strokes is an integral part of creating Impressionist art. The technique does not show clear and visible lines. Instead, it adopts the light brushing of vivid pigments that come in single and combined colors. The result of this style of art is the ability to create works that show the impression of what is seen by the eye and recollected from memory.
The technique of impressionism art also focused on outdoor environments and landscapes as opposed to portraits. Ultimately, the technique was able to capture the vivid impression of sunlight while focusing on modern subjects and scenes. These characteristics create a uniquely different form of art that communicates sensation.
The goal of impressionism artwork is to create an impression and sensation. This is achieved by creating a scene that deemphasizes detail but communicates a sensation. Much later, Abstract Expressionism, a distinct movement that developed in the United States in the 1940s, pushed this search for sensation even further. Its works show impulse and the unrestrained expression of energy: they often feature no discernible object, but skilfully combine a wide range of colours to conjure strong feelings.
How did Impressionism start?
Paysage au bord du Lez
Image via https://commons.wikimedia.org
The beginning of impressionism art is found within the context of rebellion from the authorized and orthodox style of painting which was certified by the Académie des Beaux-Arts, an institution that was the custodian of French painting style. Traditionally, French painting was in the form of portraits, mythological and religious themes. While this approach of painting had been the norm for many years, a band of young artists who were unhappy with the somewhat unexciting nature of this painting style decided to explore a different approach to painting. As opposed to the traditional painting style which was done in the studio, these painters decided to paint out in the open.
In the early 1860s, a group of young artists soon realized that they were intrigued by the same style of painting. Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, and Frédéric Bazille who were under the tutelage of Charles Gleyre were much more intrigued by landscape paintings and creating scenes from modern life. This fascination was not in line with the orthodox painting style in France at the time. Their approach to executing this style of painting was equally unorthodox as they would make the sketches in the open environment while creating blueprints that will be completed in the studio. Given that they were creating the sketches in the open, coupled with the availability of bright artificial colors that were produced at the time, they were able to create paintings with an intricate blend of vivid colors. These artists often converged at Café Guerbois and the meetings were frequently coordinated by Édouard Manet.
Soleil couchant
Image via https://commons.wikimedia.org
When exploring the history of Impressionism, one of the works that paved the way for it is Édouard Manet's The Luncheon on the Grass. Artworks submitted to the Salon were vetted by its jury, and the works of the four friends were regularly rebuffed on the premise that they did not paint in alignment with existing and authorized French painting style. Édouard Manet, The Luncheon on the Grass is one painting that was rejected by the Salon Jury on the premise that it featured a nude lady. It is worth mentioning that there were many mythological paintings that featured nude women however the sight of a nude woman and two well-dressed men in a modern setting seemed to be revolting to the Salon Jury.
However, this matter would not go away silently. Many lovers of this art were discontent with the vitriolic condemnation it received from the Salon Jury. More so, many lovers of art, as well as professional artists, were discontent at the fact that many works of art which they considered exceptional were rebuffed by the Salon Jury. After their petitions for a new Salon des Refusés were rejected in 1867 and 1872, a group of artists decided to come together and showcase their works autonomously.
View of the Saint-Martin Canal
Image via http://www.aurlaea.com
Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley, Cézanne, Berthe Morisot, and Edgar Degas together with many active painters at the time, unified to create what they called the Cooperative and Anonymous Association of Painters, Sculptors, and Engravers. Those who were part of this newly founded union were expected to renounce participation in the Salon. In 1874, this union held its first exhibition which featured the works of 30 artists. The feedback from the public was a blend of good and bad. However, Monet and Cézanne were the ones who got the harshest criticism. In the press, the critic and humorist Louis Leroy dismissed Monet's painting as a mere sketch.
Over time, impressionism artists began to generate a lot of monetary gains from their artworks. In like manner, their style of painting soon began to be widely appreciated and accepted. Monet and several of his colleagues eventually achieved significant financial success with their art. Impressionism had become an accepted and widely admired style of painting.
Representative Artists
Edouard Manet
Image via http://1.bp.blogspot.com/
Representational (or figurative) art depicts recognizable subjects drawn from the real world, such as people, landscapes and objects. When you look at a representational artwork, you can identify what the artist is depicting, even when, as in Impressionism, the forms are suggested by brush strokes rather than precisely outlined.
Romanticism, Impressionism and Expressionism are among the movements that remained largely representational. Examples include Claude Monet's Woman with a Parasol, his Haystacks, his water lily ponds and many more. One of the fathers and most prominent names in Impressionism is Claude Monet.
Claude Monet
Image via https://www.christies.com/
Understanding the distinction between realism and impressionism may be challenging for some because of the similarities between the two styles of painting. However, realism vs impressionism can be demystified by understanding the underlying philosophy that separates both art forms. Impressionism is created to evoke a sensation and evoke an emotion. Given the aforesaid, it becomes expected that impressionism art is only a magnified recollection of how a particular scene is seen. While both impressionism and realism capture modern daily life, the core distinction between the two is hinged on the fact that one is created to evoke a sensation or feeling while the other depicts scenes and events just the way they are. While impressionism has a touch of glamor and sensationalism, Realism would portray scenes in the exact way they are no matter how lackluster.
Some of the impressionism artist that stood out throughout history for their contributions to the development of impressionism art form and their creations includes Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Édouard Manet and many more. Given that impressionism painting emerged in France, it can be said that Oscar Claude Monet is the father of impressionism as he is recorded as the one to introduce impressionism painting in France. Monet produced some of the most fascinating impressionism artworks which include his water lily collection.
Edgar Degas
Image via https://www.christies.com
The introduction of the first set of impressionism paintings was in the exhibition of 1874, following the decision of Monet and his peers to exhibit independently of the Paris Salon. Vincent van Gogh, a Dutch Post-Impressionist, was deeply influenced by Impressionism after discovering it in Paris in 1886. Vincent created a ridiculously significant amount of paintings in his lifetime. Coming from a comfortable family, he was described as pensive as a child. His paintings encompassed portraits, landscapes and still lifes, often painted with the bright colours and visible brush strokes he adopted from Impressionism. Although he suffered from mental illness, he created many of what are considered the most impressive Post-Impressionist artworks.
Some of his best works include Bedroom in Arles in 1888, The Potato Eaters in 1885, Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear in 1889, Sunflowers in 1888 and much more. The astounding quality of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s impressionist artworks made many admire this art style. Known for his love of women’s beauty, most of his works were reflective of his passion. Some of his most impressive works include Two Sisters (1881), The Umbrellas (1886), La Parisienne (1874), Young Girls at the Piano (1892), Madame Georges Charpentier and Her Children (1878), Dance at Bougival (1883), La Loge (1874), and Les Grandes Baigneuses (1887).
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Image via https://en.wikipedia.org/
Pierre-Auguste Renoir was known for creating many female nudes. Edgar Degas is an impressionist artist that was born on 19 July 1834, Paris, France. This artist is known for his fascination with dance and this led to this creation of many artworks that were centered on dance. The history of French impressionism painting would be incomplete without mentioning his name. His best works include The Absinthe Drinker, The Dance Class, Interior, Ballet Rehearsal on Stage, A Cotton Office in New Orleans, and The Millinery Shop. Paul Cézanne is also amongst the long list of French impressionism painters.
However, he stands out for developing a new approach, later described as Post-Impressionist, that encouraged the emergence of many new forms of painting. His unique approach to painting is said to have inspired many other artists. His most celebrated works remain the Boy in the Red Vest in 1890, L'Estaque, Melting Snow in 1871, Portrait of Madame Cézanne with Loosened Hair from 1890 to 1892, The Basket of Apples in 1895 and The Bathers. Édouard Manet is one French artist that is celebrated for his painting of modern life. His most celebrated works include the controversial Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe, Olympia, The Battle of the Kearsarge and the Alabama, Boating, and A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. While there are many more prominent names of impressionist artists, Alfred Sisley, Mary Cassatt, Camille Pissarro and Berthe Morisot are artists who contributed immensely to this art form.
Most famous artworks
By the time impressionism art became widely popular, there were many artists that were inspired to create masterworks that could be described as the best impressionist paintings. While there are many astounding impressionism paintings, only a few fit in the category of being famous.
Water Lilies (1906 - 1915)
Water lilies
Image via http://lafittemusiccenter.com
By the father of impressionism art Claude Monet who fell in love with water lilies after settling in Giverny, where he created a water garden filled with them. His fascination led to the creation of many astounding paintings using oil paint. With an incredible blend of fantastic colors, he created an enchanting water lily series.
Bal du Moulin de la Galette (1876)
Bal du Moulin de la Galette
Image via http://www.renoir.net
Bal du Moulin de la Galette is a painting created in 1876 by Pierre-Auguste Renoir; it is one of the most celebrated impressionism paintings ever created. Interestingly, this painting mirrors a typical Sunday afternoon at Moulin de la Galette in the area of Montmartre. This painting evokes a friendly and jovial atmosphere that is filled with laughter and fun. People dance in the background while others make merry conversation in the foreground.
A Bar at the Folies-Bergère (1882)
A Bar at the Folies-Bergere
Image via http://www.manet.org
This stunning painting by Edouard Manet shows a modern bar scene and a lady who is standing behind a counter adorned with fine wine and fruits. The interpretation of this painting has engendered many debates by experts over the decades. Some argue that the lady in the picture is a prostitute. Some argue that she is a commodity just like the rest of the items while others claim that the lady is just a high-class bartender.
Impression, Sunrise by Claude Monet (1872)
Sunrise by Claude Monet
Image via https://arthistoryproject.com
Created by Claude Monet, this painting features the rising sun in classic impressionism art. The painting was created using traditional impressionism style with light brush strokes and a blend of vivid colors to give an impression. When trying to grasp the concept of impressionism art, Impression, Sunrise is undoubtedly a perfect reflection of what impressionism painting is all about.
The Luncheon on the Grass by Edouard Manet 1862 -1863
The Luncheon on the Grass
Image via https://fr.wikipedia.org
This painting was created by Edouard Manet and displays a naked woman sitting on the grass with two fully dressed men. While these three characters make up the center of the painting, a lady in a stream can be seen in the rear. The painting is such that has received a lot of interpretation over the years. Of note is the way in which the woman is staring at the viewer in a suggestive way. This painting was rejected by the Paris Salon on the grounds of nudity. Many other critics were also worried about the men being properly dressed and the woman being naked. This painting showed the natural surroundings in its splendor.
Paris Street; Rainy Day (1877)
Paris Street; Rainy Day
Image via http://www.galleryintell.com/
Created by Gustave Caillebotte in 1877, this painting features a rainy day in Paris. Just like any other impressionist painting, the work of art evokes an atmosphere that is consistent with the average rainy day. However, this painting captures life in 19th century Paris. This painter was able to create a shadowy impression with a remarkable mastery of light for heightened sensation. His style sometimes resembles photography. The use of perspective for depth and the depiction of an outdoor environment with stunning accuracy are some of the features of Caillebotte’s painting that made him stand out.
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir 1881
Luncheon of the boating party
Image via http://www.renoir.net
Luncheon of the Boating Party was created by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in classic impressionism style. The painting is such that is evocative of a delightful party. This painting features brushing in light strokes, however, it captures people with amorous stares of bliss. Known for his ability to capture women and their beauty while evoking female sensuality, this artist painted many incredible nudes.
Pont Boieldieu in Rouen, Rainy Weather Camille Pissarro 1896
Pont Boieldieu in Rouen
Image via https://commons.wikimedia.org/
Created by Camille Pissarro in 1896, this landscape painting could be described as a masterpiece. This Danish and French artist created many incredible landscape paintings with impressionism style. Most of his outdoor paintings were remarkable and included Jalais Hill, Pontoise (1867), The Crystal Palace (1871), Self-Portrait (1873) and many more. Pissarro engaged in a series of paintings of bridges and this one happens to be one of his best. The painting showed a rainy day on a bridge and captured much of the life of the era. Pissarro's painting of the outdoor environment was remarkable and often featured people going about in their various activities.
The Absinthe Drinker by Edgar Degas 1876
The Absinthe Drinker
Image via https://en.wikipedia.org
Edgar Degas painted this work in 1876. Degas has a reputation for painting dancers; as a result, it can be asserted that he is great at depicting motion in a way that is vivid. As an impressionist artist, most of his works come in light brush strokes and vivid colors. Equally known for creating nudes, Edgar Degas created many impressive works of art with The Absinthe Drinker among the most famous of his works.
The floor scrapers by Gustave Caillebotte 1875
The floor scrapers
Image via http://vangoghpaintings.com/
The Floor scrapers is an impressionist painting that was created by Gustave Caillebotte in the year 1875. Gustave Caillebotte belonged to the group of artists that were regarded as an impressionist. However, his style of Impressionist painting was borderline realism. His style of painting and the technique he adopted was crucial in the creation of The Floor Scrapers which is regarded as one of his most brilliant works. In line with the idea of impressionism art, this painting is such that features workers scraping the floor of an apartment in Paris. Given his fascination with photography, his own form of impressionism as seen the case of the Floor scraper is sometimes considered to incorporate some elements of realism particularly when the accuracy of the painting is considered. Given the aforesaid, Caillebotte had admirers of his artwork who weren’t lovers of impressionism as he often paid attention to detail in his execution.
Impressionism in other countries
While impressionism had its roots in France, it soon spread to many other countries where it evolved significantly. Some of the movements that followed Impressionism are Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Expressionism and more. American Impressionism began in the late 19th century and featured classic European impressionism style. With light brush technique and bright colors, many American artists were able to create a sensational painting without paying attention to detail. William Merritt Chase, Childe Hassam, and Frederick Carl Frieseke were some of the many names in American impressionism art. Impressionism art spread throughout Europe with an extensive variety of distinctive styles that apply the same technique of impressionism.
Frequently asked questions
What is Impressionism in art?
An art form born in France that captures light, movement and the impression of a scene, as you would remember it, rather than its precise details, using light brush strokes and vivid colours.
Who founded Impressionism?
The movement grew out of a group of Charles Gleyre's students: Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley and Frédéric Bazille. Claude Monet is often considered the father of Impressionism.
When was the first Impressionist exhibition?
In 1874. Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley, Cézanne, Berthe Morisot, Degas and others, united in a cooperative association, showed the works of 30 artists there, independently of the Salon.
What is the difference between Impressionism and Realism?
Both depict modern daily life, but Impressionism aims to evoke a sensation or emotion, while Realism portrays scenes exactly as they are, however dull.
What are the most famous Impressionist paintings?
They include Monet's Water Lilies and Impression, Sunrise, Renoir's Bal du Moulin de la Galette and Luncheon of the Boating Party, Manet's A Bar at the Folies-Bergère and Caillebotte's Paris Street; Rainy Day.
Art historyExploring Modern Art Movements in Painting: A Journey through Revolutionary ArtExpressionism, Cubism, abstraction, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art: a tour of the movements that broke with convention in 20th-century painting.May 27, 2024
Art historyRomanticism: All You Need to KnowBorn in the late 18th century as a reaction against Enlightenment rationalism, Romanticism put emotion at the heart of art. Its origins, painters, key works and influence.October 15, 2018
Art history20 Famous Landscape PaintingsFrom Bruegel to Paul Klee, by way of Monet, Hokusai and Van Gogh: 20 famous landscape paintings that have captivated art lovers through the centuries.October 12, 2018
