Impressionism vs Post-Impressionism: Key Artistic Differences

19th Century French Painting Movements

When examining the painting art developed in France during the 19th century, we can identify two distinct yet related movements.

Impressionism: Capturing the Moment

Impressionism was characterized by the use of quick, visible brushstrokes to depict subject matter focused on modern life and the subjective vision of a fleeting moment. Impressionism moved away from the historical and mythological narratives prevalent in Realism. Key characteristics include:

• Bright and pure colors to express feelings and emotions.
• Blurred, undefined contours.
• Fragmented perspectives, influenced by Japanese prints and early photography.

Case Study: Edgar Degas' L'Absinthe

In L'Absinthe, Edgar Degas represents an everyday scene in a French bar. Degas utilized muted colors to convey the subject's melancholy, while the blurred lines and fragmented perspective—cutting off the man and the table—perfectly exemplify Impressionist techniques.

Post-Impressionism: Expressive Abstraction

Post-Impressionism pushed the boundaries of Impressionism by exploring the expressive possibilities of color and analyzing form through abstraction. These artists drew inspiration from non-Western cultures and believed color could exist independently of form to convey aesthetic meaning. A notable technique from this era is Pointillism, which composes shapes through the union of individual points.

Case Study: Vincent Van Gogh's The Church at Auvers

In The Church at Auvers-sur-Oise, we observe several Post-Impressionist traits:

• Thick brushstrokes that prioritize texture over fine detail.
• Abstract forms that move away from strict realism.
• Unreal colorwork, such as the powerful dark blue sky contrasted with vibrant green grass, emphasizing emotional impact over literal representation.