What is Impressionism?

Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in France in the late 19th century, challenging traditional academic painting by focusing on the fleeting effects of light, atmosphere and movement. It originated in the 1860s and gained momentum in the 1870s and 1880s, as artists rejected historical and mythological subjects in favour of everyday scenes and landscapes.

The movement's name was inspired by Claude Monet’s painting Impression, Sunrise (1872), which critics derisively labelled as merely an ‘impression’ rather than a finished work. Impressionist painters sought to capture moments of contemporary life with spontaneity and immediacy, using loose brushwork and luminous colours. They painted outdoors (en plein air) to observe changing light and weather conditions directly, emphasising sensory experience over detailed realism.

Key figures include Claude Monet, whose series paintings exploring light’s effects on haystacks and waterlilies are some of the most iconic of the movement, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, known for his depictions of social gatherings bathed in dappled sunlight. Edgar Degas experimented with unusual compositions and movement in his ballet scenes, while Camille Pissarro focused on urban and rural landscapes. Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassatt brought intimate portrayals of domestic life, highlighting women’s experiences.

The Impressionists faced harsh criticism but gained recognition through independent exhibitions, influencing later movements like Post-Impressionism and Modernism.

What are the characteristics of Impressionist Art?