What is it?[]
Impressionism was a radical art movement that originated in France during the late 19th century.
Characteristics[]
- Emphasis on Light and Color:
- Impressionist artists were fascinated by the fleeting effects of light and its impact on color. They sought to capture the momentary sensations of their subjects.
- They often painted outdoors ("en plein air") to observe and depict these changing light conditions.
- Visible Brushstrokes:
- Instead of smooth, blended brushwork, Impressionists used short, broken strokes of color. This technique gave their paintings a spontaneous and unfinished appearance.
- Ordinary Subject Matter:
- They moved away from traditional historical or mythological subjects and focused on everyday scenes, such as landscapes, city life, and leisure activities.
- Emphasis on Perception:
- Impressionism aimed to convey the "impression" of a scene rather than a precise, realistic representation.
- Breaking with Tradition:
- The Impressionists rejected the established rules of academic art, which emphasized precise drawing and idealized subjects.
- Key Figures:
- Some of the most prominent Impressionist artists include Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, and Berthe Morisot.