Everything You Need to Know About Impressionism
Impressionism, which emerged in 19th-century Paris, shook things up by rejecting the rigid rules of the Académie. Édouard Manet, drawing inspiration from Eugène Delacroix's vibrant brushwork and Gustave Courbet's realism, became known as the first 'artist of modern life,' rallying a group of like-minded artists. In 1863, Napoleon III set up the Salon des Refusés, allowing those whose art was turned away a chance to showcase their work. The inaugural Impressionist Exhibition happened in 1874 at 35 Boulevard Capucines, featuring 30 artists, including Eugène Boudin. On April 25, 1874, critic Louis Leroy coined the term 'Impressionism' in Le Charivari. Key figures included Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and Edgar Degas, and the movement captured modern life with its lively colors and brushwork. Despite disbanding after eight exhibitions from 1874 to 1886, Impressionism's influence on contemporary art remains significant.
Key facts
- Impressionism emerged in Paris in the second half of the 19th century.
- Eugène Delacroix influenced Impressionists with unmixed brushstrokes and modern themes.
- Gustave Courbet's realism also shaped the movement.
- Édouard Manet bridged Delacroix and Courbet, becoming a leader of dissident artists.
- The Salon des Refusés in 1863 was organized by rejected artists with Napoleon III's approval.
- The First Impressionist Exhibition opened on April 15, 1874, at 35 Boulevard Capucines.
- Critic Louis Leroy named the movement in his April 25, 1874 review in Le Charivari.
- Key Impressionists include Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Sisley, Cassatt, and Degas.
- The movement featured modern subjects, vivid colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and outdoor painting.
- Eight Impressionist exhibitions were held between 1874 and 1886.
- The group disbanded in 1886 due to ideological differences.
- Impressionism is considered the first truly modern art movement.
Entities
Artists
- Claude Monet
- Auguste Renoir
- Edgar Degas
- Eugène Delacroix
- Gustave Courbet
- Édouard Manet
- Eugène Boudin
- Camille Pissarro
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir
- Alfred Sisley
- Mary Cassatt
Institutions
- Académie
- Salon des Refusés
- Anonymous Society of Artists, Sculptors, Engravers, and Others
- Le Charivari
- Louvre
- Barnes Foundation
- National Gallery, London
- Städel Museum
- Clark Art Institute
- Musée Marmottan Monet
- Musée d'Orsay
- The Israel Museum
- Allen Memorial Art Museum
Locations
- Paris
- France
- 35 Boulevard Capucines
- Philadelphia
- PA
- USA
- London
- UK
- Frankfurt
- Germany
- Williamstown
- MA
- Jerusalem
- Israel
- Oberlin
- OH