1. Impressionism 1874-86 -- a short 12 year run Against paintings that carried any moral message Based on immediacy of expression Focused on surface effects of light on the canvas Interested in optical realism….what actually is happening with the eye? Reaction against Romanticism; more concerned with qualities of paint than subject matter Influenced by the natural, organic nature of Japanese art (1867 Paris Universal Exposition caused interest in Oriental art— Hokusai prints) Final Impressionist exhibit was in 1886; group lasted just 12 years “Impressionism”---a term coined by the press to criticize the sketchy, new art…after Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise” (1874) Out of the Salon des Refuses, Impressionist shows began First show held in the studio of famous photographer, Nadar 8 shows in total between 1874-86 Some of the first artists to exhibit: Pissarro, Cezanne, Degas, Monet, Manet, Renoir

2. What is happening at the end of the 19 th century? 1880-1900, Time of great European imperialism…Africa colonized in 20 years; India Darwin’s Origin of the Species in 1859, creates acceptance of dominant peoples Admiral Perry opens trade channels to Japan in 1850s Cities continue to expand under Industrial Revolution Photography questions value of accurate representation in art Synthetic pigments are developed, allowing artists to paint outside more easily By the end of the 1800s, MODERNISM is coined to describe writers and artists who depict contemporary life in novel, experimental ways: Renoir, La Loge, 1874

3. Breaking down Light The eye blends two hues to make a third When all colors are rapidly rotated, we see white Form is implied by light and color Hard outlines do not exist in nature Shadows are complimentary colors of the object

4. Edouard Manet (1832-83) In 1867, created his own salon, a one man show in reaction to his rejection by the Academy ; scandalized Paris with Olympia and Picnic on the Grass Although not showing with the Impressionists, he adopted their style of suggestive brushstrokes to capture the surface qualities of light Was from upper class society and preferred to depict the “modern” life Chemin de Fer (Railroad), 1872 Bar at the Folies Bergere, 1881

5. Edgar Degas (1834-1917) Sold nothing at the first Impressionist exhibit Participated in all but one of the eight exhibits From an aristocratic family Fascinated by the “artificial life” Most known for his pastels of dancers Studied the psychology of movement Known for his fluid line and balance of contour

6. Claude Monet (1840-1926) Started the Impressionist movement with his “Impression, Sunrise” 1874 Painted in “plein air” His “series” paintings studied light on objects from various viewpoints His cataracts may have affected his sense of color, giving him reddish vision Created beautiful gardens at Giverny (outside Paris) to paint ; open to public today Japanese Bridge haystacks

7. Monet’s Waterlilies

8. Monet’s observations… Of the fad for all things Japanese…JAPONISME Of the power of the Industrial Revolution… Gare St. Lazare

9. Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) Thought of himself as a realist Began as a painter in a porcelain factory Studied effect of light through trees Worshipped the female form “Why shouldn’t art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world.” Le Moulin de la Galette, 1876

10. Renoir The Boating Party At the Phillip’s Collection in Washington, DC

11. Camille Pissarro (1830—1903) Born in St. Thomas, West Indies As a boy, loved to sketch coconut trees Became the center - -- guide and teacher --- for the small group of Impressionists Participated in all 8 Impressionist shows Through brushstrokes of light, he believed, one gets to the emotion of a picture Obstgarten, 1872

12. Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) American known for her portraits of children and mothers, yet never was a mother herself Took part in several Impressionist shows Helped fellow artists financially and promoted Impressionism in the USA At the Opera Who is viewing whom? The Boating Party The Bath