Impressionism was a late-nineteenth-century radical art movement focusing primarily on Parisian painters. Impressionists rejected classical subject matter in favour of modernism, seeking to produce works that mirrored their surroundings.
Plein air painting, or painting outside, was highlighted by the Impressionists. Critics first panned impressionism, but it has become one of Western history’s most popular and significant art movements.
Read ahead to learn more about the movement and where to buy original impressionist paintings for sale.
The Origin
The Anonymous Society of Painters, and Other Artists produced an exhibition in Paris in 1874 that established the Impressionist movement. Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Camille Pissarro were among the group’s founders. Only their independence from the official yearly Salon, during which a jury of painters from the Académie des Beaux-Arts judged artworks and awarded medals, brought the group together.
How Contemporaries Viewed Them
Despite their disparate approaches to painting, the independent artists seemed to contemporaries as a group. While conservative critics attacked their work for its unfinished, sketchy appearance, progressive authors lauded it for its portrayal of current life.
Their work is known today for its modernity, exemplified by its rejection of traditional styles, assimilation of contemporary technology and ideas, and depiction of current life.
The Important Innovation that Was Important to the Movement
John Rand, an American painter, working in London, never joined their ranks as a famous artist, but as a painter, he created a gadget that would change the art world in 1841: paint in a tube. His ingenious new technology made pre-mixed paint easily portable and allowed artists to take their work outside.
The Impressionists’ art gained spontaneity and a casual character thanks to Rand’s technological advance. Other artists joined the practise as time went on, and their explorations extended from inside studios to outside cafes, with regular get-togethers to discuss their ideas.
The Impressionist Style
In comparison to previous artists, the Impressionists used looser brushwork and softer colours. They ignored traditional three-dimensional perspective and the clarity of form that had traditionally served to separate the more significant from, the less important aspects of a picture. Many critics chastised Impressionist paintings for their unfinished parts and unprofessional quality as a result of this.
The Aim of the Movement
The Impressionists aspired to broaden the range of things that artists might paint. They moved away from idealised shapes and flawless symmetry, focusing instead on the world as they perceived it, which was flawed in various ways.
The Bottom Line
Impressionism is rightfully considered a revolution, both in the spheres of art and music. This makes it one of the essential influences of contemporary art as a whole. Impressionism went on to inspire ages. People like Camille Pissarro’s own son, Paul Emile Pissarro, further modernised the movement and kept it relevant.
Today, due to its universal appreciation, authentic impressionist paintings are hard to find. That’s why we recommend Leighton Fine Art for its important philosophy. They believe in locating great paintings by well-known artists that offer excellent value for money and have strong investment potential.
