Impressionism is a 19th-century art movement that emerged in France and quickly spread across Europe and America to become one of the most important and influential styles of art in history Characterized by vivid color, loose brushwork, and often outdoor scenes, Impressionism captured a vibrant spontaneity by turning away from the rigid conventions of academic art and instead embracing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. While many of the leading figures of Impressionism had distinct individual styles and ideas, they are unified by their shared interest in emotional, instinctual and painterly approaches to art production.
The five most important Impressionist painters are Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley, and Édouard Manet.
Claude Monet is often considered the foremost Impressionist and is renowned for his series of paintings featuring his beloved Giverny gardens, Water Lilies and Haystacks. Monet’s loose, almost abstract brushstrokes, and shimmering light effects quickly established him as a leader of the movement.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir was another of the leading figures of Impressionism whose accomplished works of dancing figures and bustling Parisian life showcased his remarkable gift for capturing a fleeting moment. His masterpieces are some of the most famous and beloved works of the Impressionist movement, including ‘The Swing’, ‘Luncheon at the Boating Party’, and ‘The Umbrellas’.
Camille Pissarro is another key figure of Impressionism whose works focused on capturing the play of light and atmosphere in nature. His draughtsmanship was highly accomplished, often featuring a subtle hint of abstraction as he attempted to capture the scene before him with a limited, refined palette of blues and greens.
Alfred Sisley is celebrated for his bucolic Impressionist paintings of the French countryside. His masterful use of light and color created the effect of scenes that almost seemed to glow in the dark. He is noted for his landscapes of the River Seine, among others.
The last of the Impressionist greats is Édouard Manet. Manet’s pre-Impressionist paintings and Impressionist works alike display his skill and influence on the movement, with unusual compositions and a playful, meandering brushwork. His most famous works include ‘Le Déjeuner sur l':Herbe’, ‘Olympia’, and ‘A Bar at the Folies Bergère’.
The works of these five artists form the foundation of the Impressionist movement, and their influence can still be seen in the modern art world today.