9.2 Impressionist painters

Impressionism emerged in late 19th century France, challenging traditional academic painting. It emphasized capturing fleeting moments and the effects of light on color, reflecting broader societal changes like industrialization and urbanization.

Key painters like Monet, Renoir, and Degas developed techniques such as en plein air painting and loose brushstrokes. They focused on everyday scenes, landscapes, and portraits, creating works that continue to inspire and influence artists today.

Origins of Impressionism

• Emerged in late 19th century France as a revolutionary art movement challenging traditional academic painting
• Emphasized capturing fleeting moments, visual perception, and effects of light on color
• Reflected broader societal changes including industrialization, urbanization, and scientific advancements

Historical context

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• Developed during Second French Empire and early Third Republic (1860s-1880s)
• Coincided with rapid modernization of Paris under Baron Haussmann's urban renewal projects
• Influenced by introduction of photography and Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e)
• Responded to growing middle class interest in leisure activities and contemporary life

Precursors to Impressionism

• Barbizon School painters focused on naturalistic landscape painting (Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Jean-François Millet)
• Eugène Delacroix's use of vibrant colors and loose brushwork
• Gustave Courbet's Realism movement emphasized depicting everyday subjects
• Édouard Manet's modern subject matter and unconventional techniques

Salon des Refusés

• Exhibition established by Napoleon III in 1863 for artists rejected by official Paris Salon
• Showcased works by future Impressionists including Édouard Manet's "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe"
• Marked turning point in public exposure to avant-garde art
• Challenged academic standards and paved way for independent exhibitions

Key Impressionist painters

• Formed core group of artists who developed and popularized Impressionist style
• Shared common artistic goals but maintained individual approaches and techniques
• Organized independent exhibitions outside traditional Salon system

Claude Monet

• Considered father of Impressionism and coined movement's name with "Impression, Sunrise" (1872)
• Mastered technique of capturing changing effects of light on landscapes and water
• Created iconic series paintings exploring same subject under different conditions (Haystacks, Rouen Cathedral)
• Developed immersive water lily paintings in later years at Giverny garden

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

• Known for vibrant color palette and joyful depictions of modern Parisian life
• Focused on portraiture and figurative scenes, often featuring women and children
• Developed technique of broken color to create luminous flesh tones
• Later work influenced by classical traditions, resulting in more solid forms (Bathers series)

Edgar Degas

• Primarily focused on human figure, especially ballet dancers and women at work
• Employed unconventional compositions and viewpoints inspired by photography
• Experimented with various media including pastels, printmaking, and sculpture
• Captured movement and gesture through careful observation and draftsmanship

Camille Pissarro

• Oldest member of Impressionist group, served as mentor to younger artists
• Explored rural and urban landscapes, often depicting laborers and everyday life
• Experimented with Pointillism technique in collaboration with Georges Seurat
• Only artist to participate in all eight Impressionist exhibitions (1874-1886)

Techniques and style

• Revolutionized painting practices by prioritizing visual perception over academic rules
• Emphasized capturing fleeting effects of light and atmosphere
• Developed new approaches to color theory and brushwork

En plein air painting

• Practice of painting outdoors directly from nature
• Allowed artists to capture changing light conditions and atmospheric effects
• Required development of portable painting equipment (collapsible easels, paint tubes)
• Challenged artists to work quickly and spontaneously to capture momentary impressions

Loose brushstrokes

• Used visible, broken brushstrokes to create sense of movement and energy
• Applied paint in short, choppy marks or long, fluid strokes depending on subject
• Created optical mixing of colors when viewed from a distance
• Emphasized texture and materiality of paint on canvas surface

Color theory in Impressionism

• Rejected traditional chiaroscuro technique of modeling form with light and shadow
• Employed principle of simultaneous contrast to create vibrant color relationships
• Used complementary colors to create optical effects and enhance visual impact
• Explored how colors appear to change under different lighting conditions

Light and atmosphere

• Focused on depicting effects of natural light on color and form
• Captured subtle variations in atmospheric conditions (fog, mist, smoke)
• Explored reflections and refractions of light on water surfaces
• Emphasized how light can dissolve solid forms and create unity in a scene

Subject matter

• Shifted focus from historical, mythological, or religious themes to contemporary life
• Celebrated beauty in ordinary scenes and everyday experiences
• Explored relationship between human figures and their environments

Everyday scenes

• Depicted leisure activities of modern urban life (cafés, parks, theaters)
• Captured workers and laborers in both rural and urban settings
• Explored domestic scenes and intimate moments of daily life
• Represented changing social dynamics and class structures of 19th century France

Landscapes and cityscapes

• Painted diverse natural settings including coasts, rivers, fields, and forests
• Depicted modern urban environments with emphasis on atmosphere and light
• Explored effects of industrialization on landscape (railways, factories)
• Captured changing seasons and weather conditions in series paintings

Portraits and figures

• Focused on capturing personality and mood rather than exact likeness
• Depicted figures in natural poses and settings rather than formal studio arrangements
• Explored social relationships and interactions in group scenes
• Represented diverse range of subjects from all social classes

Notable Impressionist works

• Exemplify key characteristics and innovations of Impressionist movement
• Demonstrate individual artists' unique styles and approaches
• Continue to influence and inspire artists and viewers today

Monet's Water Lilies series

• Extensive series of approximately 250 oil paintings created over 30 years
• Depicted artist's water garden at Giverny from various perspectives
• Explored effects of changing light and reflections on water surface
• Culminated in large-scale panoramic installations (Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris)

Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party

• Large-scale painting depicting leisurely gathering on restaurant balcony (1880-1881)
• Showcases Renoir's skill in portraying figures and social interactions
• Demonstrates use of broken color technique to create luminous effects
• Combines elements of genre painting, still life, and landscape

Degas' ballet dancers

• Recurring theme throughout artist's career, explored in various media
• Captured dancers in rehearsal, performance, and backstage moments
• Employed unconventional compositions and viewpoints inspired by photography
• Demonstrated Degas' mastery of depicting movement and human form

Influence and legacy

• Transformed landscape of Western art and paved way for modernist movements
• Continued to inspire artists and influence artistic practices into 21st century
• Shaped public perception and appreciation of modern art

Post-Impressionism

• Developed by artists seeking to build upon Impressionist innovations (Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat)
• Explored more subjective and symbolic approaches to color and form
• Emphasized structure and emotional expression over optical effects
• Laid foundations for development of Cubism, Fauvism, and Expressionism

Impact on modern art

• Liberated artists from constraints of academic tradition and realism
• Encouraged experimentation with color, brushwork, and composition
• Influenced development of abstract art in early 20th century
• Inspired later movements including Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting

Impressionism in other countries

• Spread beyond France to other European countries and United States
• American Impressionism developed through artists like Mary Cassatt and Childe Hassam
• Influenced development of regional styles such as Australian Impressionism (Heidelberg School)
• Adapted to local landscapes, light conditions, and cultural contexts in different countries

Critical reception

• Evolved dramatically from initial rejection to widespread acceptance and admiration
• Reflected changing attitudes towards art and modernity in late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Continues to shape public perception of Impressionism as accessible and popular art movement

Initial controversy

• Met with harsh criticism from academic establishment and conservative critics
• Ridiculed for unfinished appearance and lack of clear outlines
• Accused of lacking skill and disregarding traditional artistic values
• Struggled to gain recognition and financial success in early years

Changing perceptions over time

• Gradually gained support from progressive critics and collectors
• Achieved commercial success through independent exhibitions and art dealer support
• Recognized as important artistic movement by early 20th century
• Became widely popular and commercially successful in post-World War II era

Impressionism vs Academic art

• Represented fundamental shift in artistic philosophy and practice
• Challenged established norms of French art world and Salon system
• Reflected broader societal changes and modernization of late 19th century

Traditional techniques vs innovation

• Academic art emphasized smooth finish and invisible brushwork
• Impressionists used visible brushstrokes and emphasized texture of paint
• Traditional art relied on careful planning and studio work
• Impressionists prioritized spontaneity and direct observation from nature
• Academic artists used muted color palettes and chiaroscuro modeling
• Impressionists explored vibrant colors and effects of natural light

Subject matter differences

• Academic art focused on historical, mythological, and religious themes
• Impressionists depicted contemporary life and everyday scenes
• Traditional art idealized and romanticized subjects
• Impressionism sought to capture fleeting moments and visual impressions
• Academic art emphasized narrative and moral messages
• Impressionists prioritized visual experience over storytelling

Collecting and exhibiting

• Played crucial role in development and recognition of Impressionist movement
• Continues to shape public access to and appreciation of Impressionist art
• Reflects changing attitudes towards modern art in museum and market contexts

Impressionist exhibitions

• Series of eight independent exhibitions held between 1874 and 1886
• Organized by artists as alternative to official Salon system
• Provided platform for showcasing new styles and techniques
• Gradually gained critical attention and public interest over time

Major collections worldwide

• Musée d'Orsay in Paris houses largest collection of Impressionist masterpieces
• Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York features extensive Impressionist holdings
• National Gallery in London and Art Institute of Chicago have significant collections
• Smaller museums and private collections worldwide contribute to global appreciation

Impressionism in literature

• Parallel movement in literature developed alongside visual arts
• Shared emphasis on subjective perception and capturing fleeting moments
• Influenced development of modernist literature in early 20th century

Parallels with literary movements

• Symbolist poetry (Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Verlaine) explored sensory impressions
• Naturalist novels (Émile Zola) depicted contemporary life and social issues
• Stream of consciousness technique in modernist fiction echoed Impressionist approach

Impressionist themes in writing

• Focus on sensory details and subjective experiences
• Use of fragmented narratives and non-linear structures
• Emphasis on mood and atmosphere over plot development
• Exploration of memory and perception in shaping reality