Impressionism Art Movement: Origins, Characteristics, and Key Artists

The Impressionism Art Movement

Context of Impressionism

• Mid-19th Century: A transition from Realism to Impressionism.
• It was a time of significant change:
  • Economically: The Industrial Revolution and Imperialism (notably in London).
  • Politically: France (Paris) became a central hub.
• France emerged as the epicenter of this new artistic movement.
• The bourgeoisie remained a significant social and economic force, influencing art patronage and consumption.

Introduction to Impressionism

• The movement began around 1863. The Industrial Revolution brought new technologies, including photography, which challenged traditional painting and prompted artists to explore new approaches.
• Painters produced works that were often not commissioned by traditional patrons, fostering artistic independence.
• Distribution channels evolved:
  • The Academy (the official state art institution) remained influential.
  • Galleries gained increasing importance, especially those in Paris and Rome.
• Art consumption also became more accessible to the public.
• This marked a significant break from classical painting, ushering in the era of modern art.
• Artists created diverse types of paintings, often struggling financially as their primary goal was innovation rather than commercial success.
• The term "Impressionism" was initially used negatively, intended as a derogatory label.
• A key goal was to capture fleeting moments and the changing effects of light outdoors.
• Influences: Artists like Constable, Goya, Velázquez, and Turner, along with Japanese prints, Realism, and photography, all contributed to the Impressionist aesthetic.

Main Features of Impressionist Painting

• Primarily executed in oil on canvas.
• The main themes were landscapes (urban and rural), with fewer portraits.
• Painters aimed to capture the immediate visual impression of a moment, using light and loose brushstrokes.
• They focused on visual clarity, capturing the immediate impression.
• Light and color changes were central, creating vibrant hues.
• Color became more important than line, shaping the image.
• Black was often avoided, as it was believed not to exist purely in nature's light.
• A limited palette often included red, yellow, violet, blue, and white, often applied without extensive mixing.
• Colors were typically happy, bright, and clean.
• There was a general lack of deep perspective.
• Images captured a specific, fleeting moment, making them unique and unrepeatable.
• Key Artists: Édouard Manet (a precursor), Claude Monet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Claude Monet: A Leading Impressionist

• Monet's brushstrokes were often long and distinct, creating a hazy effect.
• Objective: To capture the fleeting movement of light and atmosphere.
• He employed a wide range of chromatic contrasts.
• Notable Works: Rouen Cathedral series, Impression, Sunrise, Bridge at Argenteuil.
• Influences: Japanese Prints and Édouard Manet.

Stages of Monet's Career

• 1870s: Early Landscapes and Urban Scenes

  • Rural Landscapes (Argenteuil):
    • Depicted boats, bridges, flower fields, and dawns.
    • Emphasized reflections and water effects.
    • Key works include Impression, Sunrise, Regatta at Argenteuil, Poppy Field at Argenteuil, and The Bridge at Argenteuil.
  • Urban Landscapes:
    • Focused on Parisian scenes.
    • Depicted train stations with their characteristic smoke.
    • Emphasized capturing fleeting moments.
    • Key work: Gare Saint-Lazare series.
  • Family Portraits:
    • Featured his son (Jean) and wife (Camille).
    • Artwork: Camille Monet (La Japonaise).

• 1880s: Vetheuil Landscapes

  • Painted landscapes around Vétheuil.
  • These often conveyed a somber mood, reflecting the death of his wife, Camille.

• From 1883: Giverny Period

  • Painted scenes around his home in Giverny, including:
    • Rural areas and sea cliffs.
    • The Rouen Cathedral series (aimed to show how light changed color and appearance throughout the day).
    • Epte riverside trees.
    • His famous garden, leading to the Water Lilies series.
  • Key works: Rocks at Pourville, Cliffs at Étretat.

• Foreign Travels

  • 1903-1904: London trip, producing works like the Houses of Parliament series.
  • 1908: Venice trip, creating works depicting Venetian canals and architecture.