IMPRESSIONISM THE WORLD OF PAINTING

Impressionism is a 19th century artistic movement that swept much of the painting and sculpture styles of the period.

The Academie of Arts held annual art exhibits called Salon de Paris. Only works conforming to its standards were accepted. For artists, getting theirs works exhibited in the Salon meant winning prizes and opened up opportunities for commissions, newspaper reviews and building a reputation in the arts community.

In 1870s a new generation of artist appeared in Paris. They used lighter brush strokes and brighter colours. They paid less attention to details. They depicted less noble aspects of life. Their works were rejected by the established Salon year after year.

Édouard Manet

In 1863, the Academie rejected Manet’s Luncheon of the Grass for depicting a realistic nude lady posed with a couple of clothed men in a contemporary picnic setting.

Édouard Manet Olympia

Olympia caused an even bigger uproar when it was first exhibited at the 1865 Paris Salon. Conservatives condemned the work as "immoral" and "vulgar." Journalist Antonin Proust later recalled, "If the canvas of the Olympia was not destroyed, it is only because of the precautions that were taken by the administration." However, the work had proponents as well. Émile Zola quickly proclaimed it Manet's "masterpiece" and added, "When other artists correct nature by painting Venus they lie. Manet asked himself why he should lie. Why not tell the truth?"

A lot of works of other artists were rejected that year. They created the Salon of the Refused, an exhibition of works rejected by the Academie. It was a rebellion against the established artistic standards of the Academie. Many people came to the Salon only to laugh. But this exhibition drew attention to the existence of a new tendency in art and attracted more visitors than the regular Salon.

One of the paintings was Claude Monet’s “Impression. Sunrise”

One of the newspaper reporters used the word “Impressionist” from Claude Monet’s painting entitled “Impression. Sunrise” to satirically describe the artists whose works he considered as being no more than unfinished sketches.

Characteristic features of Impressionist paintings are small, thin, yet visible brush strokes; open composition; emphasis on accurate depiction of light in its changing qualities; common, ordinary subject matter; movement as the main element and unusual visual angles.

Édouard Manet, despite his role as a leader to the group, never abandoned his liberal use of black as a colour, and never participated in the Impressionist exhibitions. He continued to submit his works to the Salon, where his painting Spanish Singer had won a 2nd class medal in 1861, and he urged the others to do likewise, arguing that "the Salon is the real field of battle" where a reputation could be made.

Édouard Manet

Claude Monet

Claude Monet Haystacks, (sunset), 1890–1891

Claude Monet The Cliff at Étretat after the Storm, 1885

Claude Monet Water Lilies

Claude Monet Poppies Blooming

Claude Monet Luncheon of the Grass

Edgar Degas is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism although he rejected the term, and preferred to be called a realist. Over half his works depict dancers. These display his mastery in the depiction of movement, as do his racecourse subjects and female nudes. His portraits are considered to be among the finest in the history of art.

Edgar Degas The Dance Class

Edgar Degas Blue Dancers

Edgar Degas Race Horses

Pierre Auguste Renoir His early works were typically Impressionist snapshots of real life, full of sparkling colour and light. By the mid-1880s, however, he had broken with the movement to apply a more disciplined, formal technique to portraits and figure paintings, particularly of women.

Pierre Auguste Renoir Ball at Le Moulin de la Galette

Renoir was called the painter of happiness.

Pierre Auguste Renoir

Pierre Auguste Renoir Near the Water

Camille Pissaro Boulevard Montmartre at Noon

Сezanne Paul A Smoker

Camille Pissarro Hay Harvest at Éragny