22 Interesting Facts about Impressionism

Impressionism is a significant art movement that emerged in France during the late 19th century, signifying a notable departure from traditional art styles. This movement focused on the portrayal of light, color, and fleeting moments in everyday life. Its origins can be traced back to the 1860s when a group of Paris-based artists, including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas, sought to break away from the rigid academic art traditions of the time. Their primary objective was to capture the immediate sensory impressions of a scene, as opposed to the highly detailed and idealized representations of their predecessors.

One of the most distinctive features of Impressionism is the artists’ use of innovative techniques. They employed small, visible brushstrokes to convey their subjects, emphasizing the interplay of color and light. This focus on color and its dynamic interaction with light was a hallmark of Impressionist art, as the artists aimed to depict the ever-changing hues of natural light throughout the day and across seasons.

Impressionist painters found their inspiration in everyday life, portraying scenes of urban and rural life, gardens, leisure activities, and the beauty of the natural world. Many of them painted en plein air, meaning they worked outdoors, to capture the transient effects of sunlight and the vibrant colors of the world around them.

In its early days, Impressionism faced resistance and criticism from the conservative art establishment, which viewed the departure from convention as radical. However, as time went on, the movement gained acceptance and recognition, leading to a profound shift in the art world. Impressionism’s legacy endures to this day, influencing subsequent art movements and continuing to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike. Its innovative approach to capturing the essence of a moment, the play of light, and the beauty of everyday life remains a powerful and enduring force in the art world.

Claude Monet

Claude Monet

To know more about impressionism, let’s take a look at these 22 interesting facts about impressionism.

  1. Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise”: The term “Impressionism” was derived from Claude Monet’s painting titled “Impression, Sunrise,” which was exhibited in 1874.
  2. Group of Independent Artists: The Impressionists initially faced rejection from the official French art establishment. As a result, they formed the “Société Anonyme des Artistes, Peintres, Sculpteurs, Graveurs, etc.” or the “Cooperative and Anonymous Association of Painters, Sculptors, and Engravers” to hold their independent exhibitions.
  3. First Impressionist Exhibition: The first official Impressionist exhibition took place in 1874, showcasing artworks by artists like Monet, Renoir, Degas, Pissarro, and others.
  4. Exhibition Success: Despite early criticism, the Impressionist exhibitions gained popularity and recognition. The movement eventually held eight exhibitions between 1874 and 1886.
  5. Varied Artists: The Impressionist movement included several notable artists, each with their unique style, such as Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Berthe Morisot.
  6. Renoir’s Love of Color: Pierre-Auguste Renoir was known for his use of vibrant colors and his celebration of life in his paintings.
  7. Edgar Degas’ Dance Works: Edgar Degas is famous for his series of paintings depicting ballet dancers, capturing the grace and movement of the dancers.
  8. Berthe Morisot’s Influence: Berthe Morisot was the only female artist to exhibit in most of the Impressionist exhibitions, and she had a significant influence on the movement.
  9. “The Luncheon on the Grass”: Edouard Manet’s painting “The Luncheon on the Grass” was displayed at the 1863 Salon des Refusés, an exhibition for rejected artworks, and is considered a precursor to Impressionism.
  10. Japanese Influence: Japanese art had a considerable impact on Impressionist artists, leading to the adoption of certain techniques and themes in their works.
  11. Light and Shadow: Impressionists were fascinated by the effects of light and its interaction with the objects they portrayed, which led to their use of broken color and distinct brushwork.
  12. Plein Air Painting: Impressionists often painted en plein air, or outdoors, to capture the changing effects of natural light. They used portable easels and portable paint tubes, which were newly available.
  13. “The Starry Night”: Vincent van Gogh was influenced by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. His famous painting “The Starry Night” demonstrates some Impressionist techniques.
  14. Rejection of Academic Art: Impressionists rejected the strict rules and traditions of academic art, opting for a more spontaneous and immediate approach to painting.
  15. Focus on Everyday Life: Impressionist artists often depicted scenes of everyday life, including leisure activities, urban landscapes, and the beauty of nature.
  16. Exhibition of the “Rejected”: The Impressionists held their exhibitions at venues like the Nadar Studio and the Durand-Ruel Gallery after facing rejection from the Salon, the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts.
  17. Giverny Gardens: Claude Monet’s famous water lily series was inspired by his garden in Giverny, France, where he painted the same subjects under varying lighting conditions.
  18. Diverse Subject Matter: Impressionists explored various subject matter, from city scenes to rural landscapes, and from portraits to still life.
  19. Depiction of Modernity: Impressionism captured the modernization of society, reflecting the bustling life of Paris in the late 19th century.
  20. Camille Pissarro’s Mentorship: Camille Pissarro was not only an important Impressionist artist but also a mentor to many younger artists in the movement.
  21. Legacy in Modern Art: Impressionism is often seen as the precursor to various modern art movements, including Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism.
  22. Global Influence: The impact of Impressionism spread globally, influencing artists in various countries, including the United States, where American Impressionism emerged.

Impressionism stands as a revolutionary and enduring art movement that forever altered the course of artistic expression. From its humble beginnings, marked by rejection from the traditional art establishment, to its rise to prominence, Impressionism challenged the status quo and introduced a vibrant, innovative approach to portraying the world. With its focus on light, color, and everyday life, Impressionism not only celebrated the transient beauty of the world but also paved the way for future artistic movements. Its legacy continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide, serving as a vivid reminder that the fleeting moments of life, captured through the strokes of a brush, can leave an indelible mark on the canvas of history.