Impressionism

Impressionism is a popular art period, but many areas and artists remain inadequately researched. This TASCHEN book fills the gap by raising the profile of unjustly neglected pioneers and exploring the characteristics of Impressionism in France and across Europe and North America.

Format: Hardback
Length: 784 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2020
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

Impressionism, a captivating art movement, gained its name from a dappled and daubed harbor scene that left a lasting impression on the art world. When Claude Monet's masterpiece, Impression, Sunrise, was exhibited in April 1874, critics were quick to dismiss this new artistic tendency, criticizing its loose and impressionistic portrayal of light and motion on water. However, as with many groundbreaking movements, the critics were eventually proved wrong. Today, Impressionism stands as a beloved and highly esteemed period in the world of painting, captivating audiences with its atmospheric evocation of time and place.

With blockbuster exhibitions, record-breaking auction prices, and packed museums, the works once considered unfinished or imprecise are now cherished for their evocative portrayal of the past and the unique stylistic flair of rapid brushstrokes on canvas. Despite its widespread popularity and numerous publications, there are still many areas and artists within Impressionism that require further exploration and recognition. This TASCHEN book aims to rectify that, elevating the profiles of unjustly neglected pioneers such as Berthe Morisot, Lucien Pissarro, and Gustave Caillebotte while delving into the defining characteristics of Impressionism, from its practice of painting en plein air to the vibrant color contrasts found across France, Europe, and North America.

Impressionism emerged as a response to the strict rules and conventions of traditional art, seeking to capture the fleeting moments and changing light of everyday life. Artists of this movement abandoned the meticulous detail and precise outlines of the past, instead emphasizing the impression created by the play of light and color. They sought to capture the essence of a scene rather than its precise details, using loose and expressive brushstrokes to convey a sense of movement and atmosphere.

One of the key features of Impressionism is its emphasis on painting outdoors, known as plein air. Artists would venture into natural settings, such as parks, beaches, and countryside, to capture the essence of the moment. They aimed to capture the changing light and weather conditions, as well as the effects of natural light on the subject matter. This approach allowed for a more naturalistic and realistic portrayal of the world, as the artists sought to capture the beauty of the natural environment rather than the idealized or romanticized version often seen in traditional art.

Another defining characteristic of Impressionism is the use of vibrant and contrasting colors. Artists embraced a wide range of hues, from bold and saturated to soft and muted, creating a sense of visual excitement and energy. They used these colors to create a sense of movement and depth in their paintings, as well as to evoke a particular mood or atmosphere. This use of color was a departure from the more monochromatic and subdued palette of the past, and it contributed to the unique and distinctive style of Impressionism.

Impressionism also played a significant role in the development of modern art. It challenged the traditional notion of what art should be and what it means, paving the way. The movement's emphasis on individual expression and the importance of the artist's subjective experience led to a greater emphasis on the role of the artist in the creation of art. It also inspired subsequent art movements, such as Post-Impressionism and Fauvism, which further explored the use of color, light, and texture in the creation of art.

Despite its popularity and influence, Impressionism has faced its share of criticism and controversy throughout its history. Some critics have argued that the movement's emphasis on the subjective and impressionistic nature of art led to a lack of technical skill and precision. Others have criticized the movement for its perceived lack of depth and complexity, arguing that it is superficial and lacking in intellectual or emotional content. However, these criticisms have not deterred the enduring appeal of Impressionism, and the movement continues to be celebrated and studied today.

In conclusion, Impressionism was a groundbreaking art movement that revolutionized the way we perceive and interpret art. Its emphasis on capturing the fleeting moments and changing light of everyday life, its use of vibrant and contrasting colors, and its celebration of the artist's subjective experience have made it a beloved and highly esteemed period in the history of art. Despite facing criticism and controversy throughout its history, Impressionism has continued to inspire and influence artists and audiences alike, and its legacy continues to be felt in the world of art today.

Weight: 1238g
Dimension: 153 x 205 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836557115