IMPRESSIONISM Explained

Summary

This script explores the evolution of 19th century French art, from the dominance of the French Academy to the rise of Romanticism and Realism. Gustave Courbet's influence on Claude Monet is highlighted, leading to the birth of Impressionism, characterized by capturing light and movement. The movement, initially criticized, embraced the name after Monet's 'Impression, Sunrise' was derided. Despite internal conflicts, Impressionism profoundly influenced art and culture, paving the way for modernism and leaving an enduring legacy.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The French Academy of Fine Arts in the 19th century controlled artistic expression, favoring traditional and historical depictions and idolizing artists like Jacques-Louis David.
• 🌟 The Romanticism movement emerged as an alternative, celebrating individualism, nationalism, and a hopeful future, despite the challenges of the industrial era.
• 👨‍🎨 Gustave Courbet was a key figure in the rise of Realism in France, influencing future artists like Claude Monet.
• 🎨 Impressionism, as a movement, was characterized by a departure from idealized scenes to capturing the everyday world, with a focus on light and quick brushstrokes.
• 🌅 Claude Monet's painting 'Impression, Sunrise' gave the Impressionist movement its name, initially used as a criticism but later embraced by the artists.
• 🤝 The Impressionist movement was initially a group of about nine painters, including Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who bonded over their shared artistic vision.
• 📰 The movement gained notoriety and a sense of identity after being criticized by a journalist, who deemed their work as mere impressions and not true art.
• 🔍 Impressionists often painted en plein air to capture the transient effects of light and atmosphere, a practice that was revolutionary at the time.
• 💔 The Franco-Prussian War and the collapse of Napoleon III's empire had a significant impact on the Impressionist movement, including the loss of key figures like Frederic Bazille.
• 💔 Internal disagreements over artistic direction and participation in traditional salons led to the fragmentation of the Impressionist group.
• 🌈 Post-Impressionism emerged after Impressionism, featuring artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin, who further pushed the boundaries of art.
• 🎼 The influence of Impressionism extended beyond painting, affecting other art forms such as literature and music, exemplified by the works of James Joyce and Claude Debussy.

Q & A

What was the primary role of the French Academy of Fine Arts in 19th century France?

The French Academy of Fine Arts controlled all expression through painting, appreciating traditional Renaissance-inspired depictions of historical and religious figures, and idolizing painters like Jacques-Louis David, while shunning others.

What movement grew in popularity as an alternative to the French Academy's control?

The movement known as Romanticism grew in popularity, focusing on individualism, nationalistic prosperity, and optimistic concepts.

How did the optimism of Romanticism change during the industrial era?

As large-scale conflict became more prevalent during the industrial era and the boundaries of science were pushed, many painters shifted from depicting an idealized world to focusing on the common man and everyday life.

Who was the main voice behind the new realism movement in France?

Gustave Courbet was the main voice behind the new realism movement in France, influencing other artists like Claude Monet.

What was the significance of Claude Monet's painting 'Impression, Sunrise'?

Monet's painting 'Impression, Sunrise' was criticized as being just an impression or a quick sketch, not true art. This criticism led to the naming of the Impressionist movement.

What was the Impressionist movement's approach to painting compared to traditional art?

The Impressionist movement aimed to capture the unique interplay of light in a scene rather than painting realistically, often depicting nature or ordinary people with quick brushstrokes painted outdoors.

Who were the two artists that pioneered the Impressionist method with their first exhibition in 1874?

Claude Monet and Pierre Renoir pioneered the Impressionist method with their first exhibition in 1874.

What was the 'Salon of Rejects' and why was it established?

The 'Salon of Rejects' was established by Napoleon III in the early 1860s to display art that was rejected by the traditional salon, which often denied the works of early Impressionists.

What led to the fragmentation of the Impressionist movement?

The fragmentation of the Impressionist movement was caused by disagreements among the artists, such as whether to allow Georges Seurat to join them or to lift their ban on submitting work to the traditional salon.

Which art movement followed the demise of Impressionism and who were some of its leaders?

Post-Impressionism followed the demise of Impressionism, led by artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.

How did Impressionism influence other forms of art and literature?

The influence of Impressionism can be seen in the stream of consciousness writings of authors like James Joyce and the swirling compositions of composer Claude Debussy.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 The Birth of Impressionism

This paragraph discusses the control of artistic expression in 19th century France by the French Academy of Fine Arts, which favored traditional and historical depictions. It contrasts this with the rise of Romanticism and the shift towards realism during the industrial era. Gustave Courbet is highlighted as a key figure in this new movement, influencing Claude Monet and others who would later form the Impressionist movement. The paragraph also touches on the initial public and critical reception of Impressionism, which was initially met with skepticism and was dubbed as such after Monet's painting 'Impression, Sunrise.'

🌅 The Evolution and Division of Impressionism

This section delves into the evolution of Impressionism, detailing the internal conflicts and divisions within the movement. It mentions the Salon of Rejects, initiated by Napoleon III, which served as a platform for artists whose work was rejected by the traditional salon. The paragraph also covers the impact of the Franco-Prussian War and the eventual fragmentation of the Impressionist group over issues such as the inclusion of Georges Seurat and the submission of works to the traditional salon. Notable artists like Paul Cezanne, Pierre Renoir, and Edgar Degas are mentioned in relation to their departure from the movement.

🌈 The Legacy and Influence of Impressionism

The final paragraph focuses on the lasting impact of Impressionism, highlighting its influence on various art forms beyond painting. It discusses the movement's emphasis on capturing light and the fleeting moments of reality, often painted en plein air. The paragraph acknowledges the contributions of female artists like Berthe Morisot and positions Impressionism as a precursor to modernism. It also touches on the broader cultural impact of Impressionism, including its influence on literature and music, before concluding with a reflection on the enduring significance of the movement's artists and their work.

Keywords

💡French Academy of Fine Arts

The French Academy of Fine Arts was an institution in 19th century France that controlled artistic expression through painting. It appreciated traditional Renaissance-style depictions and historical or religious figures, exemplified by painters like Jacques-Louis David. This institution's preference for traditional art forms is central to understanding the resistance to new artistic movements like Romanticism and Impressionism, as seen in the script's discussion of its influence on what was considered acceptable art at the time.

💡Romanticism

Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that grew in popularity in the 19th century, characterized by its focus on the individual, emotion, and nature. In the script, Romanticism is mentioned as a movement that was shunned by the French Academy of Fine Arts but became popular for its optimistic concepts and celebration of nationalistic prosperity, contrasting with the traditional and historical themes favored by the Academy.

💡Realism

Realism in art refers to the depiction of subjects as they are seen in everyday life, without the idealization often found in historical or religious art. The script discusses how many painters shifted towards realism, focusing on the common man and everyday scenes, as opposed to the idealized or historical subjects that the French Academy preferred. Gustave Courbet is highlighted as a key figure in this new realism in France.

💡Impressionism

Impressionism is an art movement characterized by its emphasis on the effects of light and color, often painted en plein air (outdoors), and quick, visible brushstrokes. The script explains that Impressionism was pioneered by artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who were influenced by both Romanticism and realism, and it became a reaction against the strict rules of the French Academy. The term 'Impressionism' itself was derived from a critic's description of Monet's 'Impression, Sunrise,' which the artists adopted as a badge of honor.

💡Claude Monet

Claude Monet was a pivotal figure in the development of Impressionism. The script describes him as wanting to push the limits of art and being influenced by the Romantic painter JMW Turner for his use of color. Monet's painting 'Impression, Sunrise' is particularly notable as it led to the naming of the Impressionist movement. Monet's work and his role in defining Impressionism are central to the video's narrative.

💡Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Pierre-Auguste Renoir was an artist and friend of Claude Monet, who, along with Monet, pioneered the Impressionist movement. The script mentions their first exhibition in 1874, which included 30 artists and was poorly received by critics, but this did not deter Renoir and his peers from continuing to develop their art style.

💡Innovation

Innovation in the context of the script refers to the new methods and styles of painting introduced by the Impressionists, which challenged traditional artistic norms. The Impressionists' approach to capturing light and color, as well as their subject matter, represented a significant departure from the academic standards of the French Academy of Fine Arts.

💡Post-Impressionism

Post-Impressionism is an art movement that emerged after Impressionism, characterized by a reaction against Impressionist naturalism and a return to more structured compositions. The script mentions Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin as leading figures in this movement, indicating a continuation of the innovative spirit in art that began with the Impressionists.

💡Modernism

Modernism in art refers to a broad movement characterized by a self-conscious break with traditional forms and the search for new modes of expression. The script positions Impressionism as the last major step before Modernism, suggesting that the innovations of the Impressionists paved the way for further artistic developments in the 20th century.

💡En Plein Air

En Plein Air is a French term meaning 'in the open air,' and it refers to the practice of painting outdoors to capture natural light and landscapes. The script notes that Impressionist artists often created their paintings en plein air to capture the truth of the world in quick brushstrokes, which was a departure from the studio-based practices of traditional artists.

💡James McNeill Whistler

James McNeill Whistler was an American artist who, along with Monet, faced rejections from the traditional salon. The script mentions Whistler in the context of the 'Salon of Rejects,' which was established to display art that was denied by the French Academy. Whistler's inclusion in the script highlights the international scope of the artistic innovations and challenges to traditional norms during this period.

Highlights

In 19th century France, the French Academy of Fine Arts controlled painting expression, favoring traditional Renaissance style depictions of historical and religious figures.

The Romanticism movement grew in popularity, focusing on individualism, nationalistic prosperity, and optimistic visions of the future.

As industrialization and war progressed, painters shifted focus from idealized worlds to everyday life, depicting the common man.

Gustave Courbet was a key figure in French realism, influencing future artists like Claude Monet.

Claude Monet and Pierre Renoir pioneered a new art method, exhibiting with 30 artists in 1874, which was poorly received by critics.

Monet's painting 'Impression, Sunrise' led to the naming of the Impressionist movement, embracing the criticism as a badge of honor.

The Impressionist group, initially around nine painters, continued to shock France with increasingly experimental art.

Monet is considered the defining figure of Impressionism, despite his initial reluctance to be seen as the leader.

The Salon des Refusés, initiated by Napoleon III, displayed art rejected by the traditional salon, uniting early Impressionists.

The Franco-Prussian War and the collapse of Napoleon III's empire impacted the Salon des Refusés and the early Impressionist movement.

Disagreements over artistic direction led to fractures within the Impressionist group, with artists like Georges Seurat and Paul Cézanne eventually parting ways.

Post-Impressionism emerged after Impressionism's decline, led by artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.

Impressionist paintings aimed to capture the unique interplay of light in scenes, often depicting nature or ordinary people.

Impressionist artists often painted en plein air to capture the truth of the world in quick, expressive brushstrokes.

While known for its non-realistic approach, some Impressionist works still maintained elements of realism.

Notable Impressionist artists, including three women, are remembered for their masterful and innovative contributions to art.

The influence of Impressionism extended beyond painting, impacting literature and music, such as the works of James Joyce and Claude Debussy.

Impressionism represented a major step in art before the advent of modernism, with its beauty and serenity leaving a lasting impact on human culture.

Transcripts

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in 19th century France all expression

through painting was controlled by the

French Academy of Fine Arts appreciating

depictions and traditional Renaissance

inspired detail of historical and

religious figures they idolized painters

such as Jacque lui Davi an 18th century

neoclassic artist while shunning others

the movement known as Romanticism grew

in popularity throughout the arts

focusing on the optimistic concepts of

the individual singular power as well as

celebrations of nationalistic prosperity

and hopes for a brighter future

but this optimism would dwindle as

large-scale conflict became more

prevalent during the industrial era and

boundaries of science were continually

pushed many painters shifted from

depicting an idealized world to that

which they saw everyday focusing on the

common man instead of history or God the

main voice behind this new realism and

France was Gustave Courbet a man whose

ideas influenced Claude Monet a painter

who wanted to push art's limits even

farther taking inspiration also from the

romanticist painter JMW Turner who

depicted bright swirling colors another

inspiration was the often shunned

Edouard Manet who was rejected by the

art world for his scandalous subject

matter Claude Monet and his friend the

artist Pierre Renoir pioneered a new

method of art with their first

exhibition in 1874 of 30 artists being

received poorly a journalist wrote that

Monet's painting impression sunrise was

just that an impression a quick sketch

one makes before the actual work not

true art the displayed artist took this

criticism with pride however adapting

the insult into their movements named

the improv

made up mainly of around nine painters

their art continued to shock France into

the next decades while growing

increasingly experimental while they

viewed the unwilling Monet as their

leader

it is Monet who has come to define

Impressionism for us today the American

James Whistler along with Monet's

rejections from the salon led to the

salon of rejects begun by Napoleon the

third in the early 1860s to display the

denied art but with the franco-prussian

war his empire soon collapsed the salon

of rejects United the early

Impressionists but the young Frederick

bozhil was tragically killed in the

horrific war and as the years dragged on

the artists began to fracture over such

questions as if they should allow

Georges Seurat the creator of

pointillism to join them or if they

should lift their ban on submitting work

to the traditional salon which rejected

them in the past Paul Cezanne was the

first to leave soon followed by Renoir

Degas and others as Impressionism the

revolutionary art movement soon fell

apart however soon after its demise

post-impressionism led by Suzanne soon

began with Minds like Vincent van Gogh

and Paul Gauguin but I will address them

another time post-impressionism led into

the modernism clothes to follow

in impressionist paintings the goal is

not to paint realistically but instead

to capture the unique playing of light

in the scene kinetic lamps depicting

images of nature or the ordinary person

the movement related heavily to the

interests of the many while the artists

often created the paintings in real time

outdoors to capture the truth of the

world in quick brushstrokes

this does not mean that all

Impressionism was not in the vein of

realism however as is evident by many

Impressionists works the major figures

within the movement have gone down in

history as masterful artists including

three women with bird Moroso being

considered one of the most subversive

and experimental artists in her day the

influence of Impressionism can be seen

outside of painting as well such as a

stream of consciousness writings of

James choice or the swirling

compositions of claude debussy the last

major step of art before modernism the

beauty and serenity conveyed by these

incredible minds will never be washed

away from humanity's sight

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you

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