Impressionism, emerging between 1860 and 1870 in France, marked a profound shift in artistic expression before extending its influence throughout Europe. The moniker "Impressionism" is derived from Claude Monet's seminal piece, "Impression, soleil levant", exhibited in 1874 at the inaugural Impressionist art showcase. This period was characterized by a revolutionary approach to painting; artists, for the first time, strayed from literal representation, opting instead to convey their subjective impressions of the world. Such a departure from the prevailing artistic norms allowed artists to experiment extensively with the interplay of light and color, rendering Impressionism a bright beacon in art history.
This innovative movement laid the foundation for further artistic exploration and evolution, eventually giving rise to Neo-impressionism. The pioneers of this luminous period include Bazille, Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Sisley, Degas, and Renoir. Their collective endeavor to represent their impressions rather than exact reflections of their subjects brought forth a myriad of hues and textures, unseen in previous art forms.
While Cézanne and Van Gogh are integral to the Impressionist movement, their distinct approach to composition and color usage paved the way for subsequent art styles like Cubism and Fauvism. Together with Gauguin and Munch, they are revered as forerunners of Expressionism, proving that the implications of Impressionism were far-reaching, inspiring a multitude of art forms and continually reshaping the artistic landscape.
