Post-Impressionism

Definition

Post-Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, primarily in France, characterized by a focus on the emotional and symbolic content of painting rather than the naturalistic representation of subjects. This movement sought to move beyond the limitations of Impressionism by emphasizing color, form, and personal expression, leading to a more subjective interpretation of reality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-Impressionism is not a single cohesive movement but rather a term that encompasses various styles and approaches taken by artists like Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Georges Seurat.
2. Unlike Impressionists, who focused on capturing fleeting moments and the effects of light, Post-Impressionists emphasized structure and form in their works, often distorting reality for emotional effect.
3. Van Gogh's use of bold colors and expressive brushwork is a hallmark of Post-Impressionism, aiming to convey his emotional state rather than just depict the subject.
4. Cézanne is known for his innovative approach to composition and perspective, breaking down objects into geometric shapes and laying the groundwork for modern art movements.
5. The influence of Post-Impressionism extended beyond the 19th century, impacting various art movements in the 20th century, including Fauvism and Expressionism.

Review Questions

• How did Post-Impressionism differ from Impressionism in terms of artistic focus and technique?
  • Post-Impressionism differed from Impressionism mainly in its focus on emotional expression and symbolic content rather than just capturing light and fleeting moments. While Impressionists aimed to depict natural scenes with loose brushwork and a focus on light effects, Post-Impressionists like Van Gogh emphasized strong colors and distorted forms to convey deeper emotions. This shift allowed artists to explore personal interpretation and create works that went beyond mere observation.
• Discuss the significance of color and form in the works of Post-Impressionist artists compared to their Impressionist predecessors.
  • In Post-Impressionist art, color and form became tools for personal expression rather than just means to represent light. Artists such as Cézanne manipulated shapes and colors to create structure within their compositions, which was a departure from the more spontaneous style of Impressionists. This emphasis on color theory led to innovations like Pointillism, where Seurat used tiny dots of pure color that combined visually. This focus transformed how artists approached painting, setting the stage for future movements that valued abstraction.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Post-Impressionism on modern art movements and its relevance today.
  • Post-Impressionism has had a profound impact on modern art movements by encouraging artists to prioritize personal expression and abstraction over realistic representation. The techniques developed by Post-Impressionist artists influenced later movements such as Fauvism and Expressionism, which embraced bold colors and emotional depth. Today, elements of Post-Impressionism can be seen across various art forms, reminding contemporary artists of the importance of individual perspective in conveying meaning through their work.

Related terms

Impressionism:

A 19th-century art movement that focused on capturing light and its changing qualities, often using loose brushwork and a vibrant palette.

Symbolism: An artistic movement that sought to express abstract ideas and emotions through symbolic imagery, often featuring dreamlike or fantastical themes.

Pointillism: A technique within Post-Impressionism developed by Georges Seurat, where images are created using small dots of color that blend together when viewed from a distance.