Is Impressionism Considered Modern Art?

Art|Modern Art

Impressionism is a style of painting that originated in France in the 1860s, and is widely considered a modern art form. It is characterized by its use of bright, expressive colors, and its focus on light and atmosphere. Impressionist paintings often depict everyday scenes of people in outdoor settings, often featuring a central figure surrounded by a soft background.

The term “Impressionism” was first used by art critic Louis Leroy to describe the work of Claude Monet in an 1874 exhibition. Impressionism was seen as revolutionary at the time, as it deviated from traditional academic painting styles that focused on realism and precise technique.

Instead, Impressionists used loose brush strokes to capture the fleeting effects of light on their subjects. The technique was soon adopted by other painters such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, and Camille Pissarro.

Impressionist painters sought to capture the immediacy of an experience rather than create a realistic depiction of it. This led to an emphasis on color and texture over detail, with compositions often featuring abstracted forms rather than exact replications of reality. Through their works, these artists gave us glimpses into everyday life in 19th-century France that are still captivating today.

Though Impressionism has been around for more than 150 years now, it remains a vibrant force in modern art today. Its influence can be seen in everything from post-impressionism to abstract expressionism and beyond. Its emphasis on capturing emotion over realism has inspired countless contemporary artists around the world who strive to show us how they experience their environment through their work.

In conclusion, Impressionism is indeed considered modern art due to its continued relevance throughout the years and its significant influence on modern art movements like post-impressionism and abstract expressionism. Though it was revolutionary when it first emerged in 1874, Impressionism has become firmly established as one of the most important artistic styles of our time – providing us with an intimate look at life during 19th-century France while inspiring countless contemporary artists along the way.