Overview
This lecture discusses the origins, characteristics, and key figures of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism in modern art from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
Modern Art and Its Context
- Modern art reflects social changes and global trends from the 19th century onwards.
- The late 19th and 20th centuries featured rapid advancements in technology and communication, influencing new art styles.
- Impressionism and Expressionism emerged as innovative movements breaking from tradition.
Impressionism: Origins and Features
- Impressionism began in Paris in the late 19th century (c. 1872–mid-1880s).
- The term "Impressionism" came from Claude Monet's painting "Impression Sunrise."
- Impressionist artists aimed to capture fleeting moments and visual impressions, not precise details.
- Inspired by Eugene Delacroix, especially his expressive brushwork and use of color.
- Used visible brush strokes, pure unmixed colors, and painted outdoors to capture natural light.
- Chose everyday subjects and informal scenes over grand historical or mythical topics.
- Experimented with unusual angles, off-center compositions, and distorted forms.
- Photography influenced their attempt to capture spontaneous moments.
Key Impressionist Artists and Works
- Edouard Manet: Transitioned from realism to modern life subjects (e.g., "Argenteuil," "Bar at Folies-Bergère").
- Claude Monet: Founder of Impressionism, famous for landscapes and water lilies (e.g., "La Promenade," "Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies").
- Auguste Renoir: Captured scenes of real life and later focused on formal portraiture (e.g., "Dancer," "Luncheon of the Boating Party").
Post-Impressionism: Evolution and Artists
- Post-Impressionism expanded on Impressionism with bold colors, heavy brushwork, and abstracted forms.
- Artists used geometric shapes, fragmented objects, and unrealistic use of color.
- Paul Cézanne: Bridged Impressionism and later movements, used geometric simplification (e.g., "Still Life with Compote," "Boy in a Red Vest").
- Vincent van Gogh: Known for expressive, dynamic brushwork and emotional intensity (e.g., "Starry Night," "Sunflowers").
Techniques and Legacy
- Impressionists focused on the effects of color and light in nature, often painting outdoors.
- Shadows were painted using complementary colors instead of traditional browns or blacks.
- Their innovations influenced future art movements like Expressionism and Cubism.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Impressionism — An art movement capturing fleeting scenes and light, characterized by loose brushwork and everyday subjects.
- Post-Impressionism — Art movement building on Impressionism with bolder colors, forms, and abstraction.
- Complementary Color — Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, used to enrich shadows.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch the next video lesson for the continuation of the first quarter arts topic.
- Review examples of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings for familiarization.