How “Impressionism” Became the Name of an Art Movement
This essay is about the origin of the term “Impressionism,” which was coined in the 1870s to describe a revolutionary art movement led by artists like Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The term originated from a critical review by Louis Leroy, who mocked Monet’s painting “Impression, Sunrise” for its sketchy, unfinished appearance. Despite its initial use as a derogatory label, the artists embraced the term as it accurately reflected their focus on capturing fleeting moments and the effects of light and color. The essay highlights how the movement gained acceptance over time and paved the way for modern art.
The term “Impressionism,” a label now synonymous with one of the most celebrated movements in art history, has an intriguing origin that reflects both the movement’s innovative spirit and the critical reception it initially received. The story of how this term came into being is a fascinating tale of artistic rebellion, critical disdain, and the eventual triumph of a new visual language that forever changed the landscape of art.
A group of young Parisian artists started questioning the norms of academic painting in the early 1870s.
In order to better observe and portray the natural world, they frequently painted outside, or en plein air, in an attempt to capture the ephemeral effects of light and color in their works. Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro were among the artists who shared the ambition to break free from the strict rules of the Academy and experiment with new perspectives on and depictions of their surroundings.
The first solo show these painters staged in 1874 served as the impetus for the term “Impressionism.” The exhibition, which took place at photographer Nadar’s studio, had pieces that were very different from what was usually displayed at the official Salon. Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise” (Impression, soleil levant), a loosely painted picture of Le Havre’s harbor with an emphasis on the atmospheric qualities of dawn, was one of the works on exhibit. This artwork embodied the group’s method of capturing the essence of a moment with its rough, almost unfinished appearance.
Attending the exhibition was art critic Louis Leroy, whose attention was drawn to this specific piece. Leroy ridiculed the entire exhibition by using the title of Monet’s picture in his review for the satirical daily Le Charivari. He called the pieces on show only “impressions,” suggesting that they were hurried sketches rather than serious, completed pieces of art. Leroy used the word “Impressionism” to mock the new style, and his critique was rife with sarcasm.
Despite Leroy’s scornful tone, the term “Impressionism” quickly took hold, and what was intended as an insult was embraced by the artists themselves. They recognized that the label aptly described their aim to convey their immediate perceptions of a scene, rather than meticulously detailed, idealized representations. The name also underscored their focus on the effects of light and atmosphere, central to their innovative technique.
The early reception of Impressionism was mixed, with many critics and the public initially dismissing the works as unfinished or amateurish. However, the artists continued to exhibit together and gradually gained a following. The Impressionist exhibitions, held independently of the Salon, became a platform for these artists to showcase their evolving styles and to attract patrons who appreciated their fresh, modern approach.
As the years passed, the significance of Impressionism grew. The movement’s emphasis on capturing the transient effects of light and color paved the way for subsequent developments in modern art. Artists like Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Georges Seurat built upon the foundations laid by the Impressionists, exploring new techniques and perspectives that would lead to the emergence of Post-Impressionism and other avant-garde movements.
In retrospect, the term “Impressionism” encapsulates not only the visual characteristics of the movement but also its revolutionary spirit. It signifies a break from tradition, a willingness to experiment, and a desire to capture the world in a new and dynamic way. The very fact that a term coined in derision could become a badge of honor for a group of pioneering artists speaks to the transformative power of their vision.
Today, Impressionism is celebrated for its vibrant use of color, its innovative approach to composition, and its ability to convey the beauty and immediacy of the natural world. The story of how the term came to be serves as a reminder of the often unpredictable paths that artistic innovation can take, and the enduring impact that a group of determined artists can have on the course of art history.
How "Impressionism" Became the Name of an Art Movement. (2024, Jul 21). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/how-impressionism-became-the-name-of-an-art-movement/
