Why Is Impressionism Considered the Birth of Modern Art?

Art|Modern Art

Impressionism is widely recognized as the birth of modern art. This post-19th century art movement was rooted in the desire to capture a “moment”.

The impressionists sought to capture a fleeting moment, or impression, on canvas that could be felt by the viewer. The goal was to create a sense of immediacy and spontaneity, which was revolutionary for its time.

The style of painting used by impressionists also broke with traditional conventions. Instead of painting in heavy layers and precise detail, impressionists used broad brushstrokes and vivid colors to create vibrant works that captured light and movement. They focused on capturing the essence of their subject matter rather than creating lifelike representations.

Impressionism was also influential in the development of other modern art movements such as cubism and abstract expressionism. Its focus on color, light, and movement helped pave the way for more experimental approaches to painting. Furthermore, its commitment to capturing a “moment” gave artists greater freedom to explore their own unique visions.

The legacy of impressionism

Impressionism remains one of the most influential art movements in history. It is credited with transforming painting into an expressive form that could be used to convey emotion and atmosphere. It has inspired countless artists over the years who have sought to capture a moment or an emotion in their work.

Conclusion

Impressionism is considered the birth of modern art because it revolutionized how paintings were created and viewed. Through its use of vivid colors, light, movement, and immediacy, it inspired many other modern art movements as well as countless individual artists over time. Impressionism helped make painting an expressive form that could be used to convey emotion and atmosphere.