Impressionism

‘Impressionism’ is an art movement that emerged in France in the 19th Century. The founding impressionist artists were Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Alfred Sisley and others. The entire concept of the movement was to capture the accurate depiction of the natural light and shadow. Impressionist artists preferred to paint outdoors instead of their studios. The key characterization included visible and small brushstrokes, impersonating the subject in its true light. Their subjects significantly comprised of the landscapes and scenes of everyday life.

Impressionist painters could not afford to wait for France to accept their work, so they established their own exhibition—apart from the annual salon organized by the Académie. During the latter part of 1873, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, and Sisley organized the Société Anonyme Coopérative des Artistes Peintres, Sculpteurs, Graveurs (“Cooperative and Anonymous Association of Painters, Sculptors, and Engravers”) to exhibit their artworks independently. In total, 30 artists participated in their first exhibition, held in April 1874 at the studio of the French photographer and caricaturist Nadar.Their work is recognized today for its modernity embodied in its rejection of established styles, its incorporation of new technology and ideas and its depiction of modern life. 

The term ‘Impressionist’ quickly gained popularity in the masses. Although the movement originated in France, Impressionism became a great influence overseas.