Impressionism is one of the most influential artistic movements of all time. It emerged in France in the 1870s and radically changed the way artists saw and depicted the world around them. By focusing on light, color, and momentary impressions rather than detailed realism, the Impressionists laid the foundation for modern art.
The rise of Impressionism
Impressionism was born out of a desire to break away from the traditional academic art that dominated at the time. Artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas sought new ways to capture reality, not through meticulous, realistic depictions, but by reproducing the feeling and mood of a moment. They often painted outdoors to directly observe and capture the changes in light and color.
The first Impressionist exhibition was held in 1874, and despite being met with harsh criticism, the movement soon established itself as a major force in the art world. The name "Impressionism" comes from Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Soleil Levant" (Impression, Sunrise), which was shown at this exhibition.
Characteristic features of impressionism
Impressionist art is characterized by several key features. One of the most prominent is the use of light and color to capture the impression of the moment. Instead of carefully mixing colors on the palette, the Impressionists often used pure, unmixed colors directly on the canvas to create a bright and vivid effect.
Another important aspect of Impressionism is the focus on movement and change. Many Impressionist works depict scenes from modern life, where light and shadows are constantly changing, and where landscapes and urban environments are captured in a quick and fleeting moment.
The influence of Impressionism on modern art
Impressionism's influence extends far beyond the 19th century. The movement paved the way for many other modernist movements, including Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism. It continues to inspire artists today, particularly through its emphasis on color, light, and a free, spontaneous painting style.
An example of how modern art can draw on Impressionist influences is the painting Symphony of Silence from our collection. This abstract painting uses subtle tones of silver, gold and cool hues to create a sense of stillness and elegance, reminiscent of the Impressionists' use of light and color to convey a specific atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in the world of Impressionism
If you are interested in learning more about how color and light are used in modern art, we recommend our blog post " Oil Painting on Canvas – The Perfect Combination of Tradition and Modern Aesthetics ". There we discuss how classic techniques, inspired by Impressionism, among others, can be combined with modern art to create unique and timeless works.
Explore our collection here: Artiley Canvas Prints