🎨Impressionism and Post-Impressionism Unit 1 – Origins and Influences of Impressionism

Key Concepts and Definition

• Impressionism emerged as an art movement in Paris during the 1860s and 1870s
• Emphasized capturing the fleeting effects of light, color, and atmosphere in everyday scenes
• Artists sought to depict the world as it appeared to the eye, rather than creating idealized or romanticized images
• Paintings often featured loose, visible brushstrokes and a bright, vibrant color palette
• Impressionists frequently worked en plein air (outdoors) to capture the changing qualities of natural light
• The term "Impressionism" was initially used derisively by critics, derived from Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise" (1872)
• Despite early criticism, Impressionism eventually gained recognition and popularity, challenging traditional academic art conventions

Historical Context

• Impressionism developed during a time of significant social, political, and technological changes in France
• The Industrial Revolution led to the growth of cities, the rise of the middle class, and increased leisure time
• The invention of portable paint tubes and the availability of synthetic pigments allowed artists to work more easily outdoors
• The Haussmannization of Paris, a major urban planning project, transformed the city's landscape and provided new subjects for artists
• The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) and the Paris Commune (1871) created a sense of instability and a desire for escapism through art
• The rise of photography challenged traditional notions of art and representation, influencing Impressionists' approach to capturing reality
• Advancements in scientific understanding of color theory and optical mixing informed Impressionist techniques

Artistic Precursors

• The Barbizon School, a group of French landscape painters, emphasized working directly from nature and capturing changing atmospheric effects
  • Artists such as Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet paved the way for Impressionist outdoor painting
• Realism, as exemplified by Gustave Courbet, rejected academic conventions and sought to depict the world truthfully, influencing Impressionists' subject matter
• Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, which became popular in Europe, inspired Impressionists with their flat color areas, unconventional compositions, and everyday scenes
• J.M.W. Turner's late works, characterized by dissolving forms and luminous colors, anticipated Impressionist concerns with light and atmosphere
• Eugène Delacroix's expressive use of color and visible brushstrokes influenced the Impressionists' painterly technique

Influential Artists and Works

• Claude Monet, a key figure in Impressionism, known for his series paintings of haystacks, cathedrals, and water lilies
  • "Impression, Sunrise" (1872) and "Woman with a Parasol" (1875) exemplify his interest in capturing fleeting moments and changing light
• Pierre-Auguste Renoir, celebrated for his luminous color palette and depictions of leisure and beauty
  • "Luncheon of the Boating Party" (1880-1881) and "Dance at the Moulin de la Galette" (1876) showcase his focus on pleasant subjects and social gatherings
• Camille Pissarro, a mentor to many Impressionists, known for his rural landscapes and urban scenes
  • "The Boulevard Montmartre on a Winter Morning" (1897) demonstrates his interest in capturing the modern city
• Edgar Degas, who diverged from typical Impressionist subject matter, focusing on dancers, racehorses, and intimate interior scenes
  • "The Dance Class" (1873-1876) and "The Absinthe Drinker" (1875-1876) highlight his unique perspective and unconventional compositions
• Berthe Morisot, one of the few prominent female Impressionists, known for her domestic scenes and portraits
  • "The Cradle" (1872) and "Reading" (1873) demonstrate her sensitive observation of everyday life

Techniques and Characteristics

• Impressionists employed loose, visible brushstrokes to capture the fleeting effects of light and color
• They often used pure, unmixed colors applied side by side, allowing the viewer's eye to blend them optically
• The use of complementary colors and the juxtaposition of warm and cool tones created a sense of vibrancy and movement
• Impressionists frequently painted outdoors (en plein air) to directly observe and capture changing atmospheric conditions
• They abandoned the traditional practice of gradual tonal transitions in favor of abrupt transitions and bold contrasts
• Compositions often featured asymmetry, cropping, and unusual viewpoints, influenced by photography and Japanese prints
• Impressionists emphasized the overall impression of a scene rather than focusing on precise details or narrative content

Subject Matter and Themes

• Impressionists depicted everyday life and leisure activities, such as picnics, boating, and dancing
• They frequently portrayed the changing landscape of modern Paris, including its boulevards, cafes, and parks
• Rural landscapes, seascapes, and gardens were also popular subjects, capturing the beauty of nature and the effects of light
• Impressionists often depicted the middle and upper classes engaged in fashionable pastimes, reflecting the growing prosperity of the era
• Some artists, like Edgar Degas and Édouard Manet, explored more unconventional subjects, such as dancers, performers, and urban nightlife
• The Impressionists' focus on contemporary life and their rejection of historical or mythological themes marked a significant departure from academic traditions
• The theme of modernity, as seen in the depiction of new technologies, transportation, and leisure activities, was central to Impressionist art

Critical Reception and Controversies

• The Impressionists initially faced harsh criticism from the established art world, which favored traditional academic styles and subjects
• Critics denounced their loose brushwork, bright colors, and unconventional compositions as unfinished and lacking in skill
• The Salon, the official art exhibition in Paris, frequently rejected Impressionist works, leading the artists to organize their own independent exhibitions
  • The first Impressionist exhibition took place in 1874, showcasing the works of Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, and others
• The Impressionists' challenge to artistic conventions and their embrace of modernity were seen as a threat to the established order
• Over time, as the public and some critics began to appreciate the Impressionists' innovative approach, the movement gained wider acceptance
• The Impressionists' commercial success and growing popularity eventually led to their integration into the mainstream art world

Legacy and Impact

• Impressionism marked a turning point in the history of art, paving the way for subsequent avant-garde movements
• The Impressionists' emphasis on capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life influenced the development of modern art
• Post-Impressionist artists, such as Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin, built upon Impressionist techniques while exploring new forms of expression
• The Impressionists' use of color and light influenced the Neo-Impressionists, who developed the pointillist technique
• Impressionism's focus on the individual artist's perception and the rejection of academic conventions inspired later movements, such as Fauvism and Expressionism
• The Impressionists' independent exhibitions and challenge to the traditional art establishment set a precedent for future avant-garde groups
• Impressionist paintings have become some of the most recognizable and beloved works of art, attracting millions of visitors to museums worldwide
• The Impressionists' legacy continues to shape our understanding of art as a means of capturing the beauty and complexity of the modern world