With the possible exception of art school graduates and doctors of art history, the movements of the artistic world can be hard to understand. Impressionism, post-impressionism, expressionism, modern art, pointillism, the labels are many and some are even well known, but what lies beneath the characterization still remains elusive. Because why exactly was Van Gogh a post-impressionist and not an impressionist, and why was he important as an artist anyway? And what does either movement actually entail?
Impressionism saw its birth in the late 19th century in France. The era had just seen the birth of photography, and compared to this new technology, the artist's ability to render a subject perfectly seemed great diminished. At the same time, Japanese print art was making its entry in the European market offering its often unusual compositions and angles as inspiration for artists. It was among such inspirations that impressionism was born.
The basic principle of impressionism is a focus on color over lines, of depicting light and its effects on the subject and of depicting the impression derived over the actual subject. This also enabled the artists to differentiate themselves from the photograph. A photo can only capture the lines, but the impressionist artist was able to capture the whole impression and use his colors to recapture and convey the glory and understanding of the moment, not just its pure lines. The colors used were also more bright and alive than previously seen. Impressionist painters used visible yet small and thin brush strokes in their work and the subject matter was often open outdoor compositions, as opposed to the more controlled compositions that were in favor with the art establishment at the time. The unusual angles often employed were one of the legacies from the Japanese prints that the impressionists enjoyed.
For examples of great impressionist art, an obvious choice is Claude Monet. His Impression Sunrise led to the naming of the movement and it is itself a great example of impressionist art, with its short visible brush strokes, focus on color over lines and overall feel that leave you with a clear impression of the beauty that the artist saw. Another great Monet example is his series of paintings, like of the House of Parliament in London, where he painted the same subject numerous times in order to explore the effect of light on that same subject. Here again we see the short delicate impressionist brush strokes, and the focus on color and light over exact lines. These are among the defining traits of the impressionist art.
Post-impressionism followed later, but is a clear result and reaction to impressionism. As such, there is a clear connection between the two. Coming slightly after the impressionist movement, the post-impressionists build on the previous one, while also throwing away some of the rules. They continued to paint real life scenes and subject. The brush strokes became even more distinct and sometimes very thick, continuing the move from the invisible brush strokes of classic paintings, over the delicate strokes of impressionism to the sometimes powerful, thick and defining strokes of post impressionism. Post-impressionist artists also kept the use of bright colors, but took their use a step further and allowed color to be used out of place and in unnatural ways in order to achieve the desired effects. However, post impressionism was also a looser less defined movement than impressionism had been, a reaction to this first movement that was not coordinated or organized.
The foremost among the post impressionists was Vincent van Gogh, with his swirling colors, deep brush strokes and sometimes overly free use of colors. The painting his Vase with twelve Sunflowers is an example of one of his post-impressionist master pieces, containing all the main post-impressionist tendencies. His later works like The Starry Night also paved the way for the later expressionist movement and modern art in general, making him among the most influential artists ever.
That is what ties the impressionism to the post-impressionism and how that leads to later movements from there. The world of art is ever evolving and as it moves, so new movements evolve. However, there is an underlying logic and understanding that also means a better understanding of the artists and their time and what made their work important.
Metropolitan Art in Motion: A Cultural Odyssey
The allure of metropolitan areas for art aficionados often lies in the rich tapestry of cultural offerings, particularly the museums that house the world's artistic treasures. These urban centers boast an array of prestigious institutions, each with its own unique collections that beckon visitors from around the globe. From the Tate in London to the Louvre in Paris, the art world's grandeur is on full display. Yet, for those who seek an unparalleled museum experience, New York City stands as a cultural colossus, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art reigning supreme.
Thomas Cole and Titans Goblet
American painter Thomas Cole is best known for his detailed depictions of the American countryside, depicted in accordance with the tenets of Romanticism and Naturalism. As a founder of the Hudson River School, Cole was instrumental in this development and depiction of the American landscape. However, not all landscapes depicted by Cole were based on actual existing locations.
The Vagabond Prince
In the early 20th century, Paris was the center of the Avant-Garde art scene. Here, masters like Picasso and Matisse were practicing their crafts at the leading edge of artistic developments.
