Post-Impressionism

Definition

Post-Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, following Impressionism, characterized by a focus on individual expression and a departure from the objective depiction of reality. While it retained some aspects of Impressionism, such as vibrant color and loose brushwork, it emphasized emotional depth, symbolic content, and formal structure in the artwork, influencing many modern art movements that followed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-Impressionism is not a single style but a term that encompasses various approaches and philosophies among artists like Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Paul Gauguin.
2. Mary Cassatt, primarily associated with Impressionism, also incorporated Post-Impressionist ideas into her work by focusing on themes of femininity and personal expression.
3. The movement highlighted the emotional aspects of art, with artists using color and form to convey feelings rather than just depict scenes as they appeared.
4. Cézanne's work laid the foundation for modern art through his approach to composition and perspective, which influenced later artists like Picasso and Matisse.
5. Post-Impressionists rejected the limitations of Impressionism by exploring more structured compositions and deeper themes, paving the way for movements like Fauvism and Cubism.

Review Questions

• How did Post-Impressionism differ from Impressionism in terms of artistic goals and techniques?
  • Post-Impressionism differed from Impressionism mainly through its emphasis on emotional expression and individual interpretation. While Impressionists focused on capturing fleeting moments and effects of light, Post-Impressionists sought to convey deeper feelings and ideas using more structured compositions. Techniques also varied, with artists like Van Gogh utilizing bold colors and dynamic brushwork, while Cézanne experimented with form and perspective to create a sense of solidity.
• In what ways did Mary Cassatt's work reflect the principles of Post-Impressionism alongside her Impressionist influences?
  • Mary Cassatt's work reflects Post-Impressionist principles by incorporating personal themes of womanhood and domestic life while utilizing vibrant colors and expressive forms characteristic of both movements. Unlike many male contemporaries who focused on landscapes or scenes of leisure, Cassatt often depicted intimate moments between mothers and children, infusing her paintings with emotional depth. This blend of Impressionist techniques with Post-Impressionist ideas underscores her unique contribution to both movements.
• Evaluate the impact of Post-Impressionism on the development of modern art movements in the 20th century.
  • Post-Impressionism significantly impacted modern art by challenging traditional representation and encouraging artists to explore individual expression and abstraction. Artists like Cézanne's innovative use of form paved the way for Cubism, while Van Gogh's emotive color palette influenced Expressionism. The departure from realistic depiction opened up new avenues for artistic exploration in the 20th century, leading to diverse movements that prioritized personal vision over objective reality.

Related terms

Impressionism:

An art movement that originated in France in the late 19th century, emphasizing the effects of light and color, often painted en plein air (outdoors) with loose brush strokes.

Pointillism: A technique developed by Georges Seurat, a Post-Impressionist artist, that uses small dots of color applied in patterns to form images.

Symbolism:

An artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the use of symbols and metaphors to express emotions and ideas rather than representing reality.