Impressionism came about in the mid to late 1800’s. French painters rejected current ideas of painting and chose to set themselves apart by painting their immediate impressions. These artists believed that the natural beauty surrounding them was far better than the current ideal beauty being portrayed. The name impressionism came from art critic Louis Leroy. Leroy had made a comment on a painting by Monet, “It indeed was just an impression and that the work could not be considered finished.” After this statement, the artist all adopted the term. The paintings of this period are filled with bright unmixed and spontaneous colors, giving the canvas a textured look. Loose brush strokes are also a description often given regarding these pieces.
During the 19th century artists were able to have their pieces on display if they were approved by the Academy’s Jury. The Jury had strong ideas about what art should be and how it should be conveyed. Le Déjeuner sur l'Herbe (The Luncheon on the Grass) by Edouard Manet was rejected by the Jury, while nudes were acceptable at the time, it was forbidden to show them in common settings. Napoleon III opened an exhibition to display all the rejected works of this time and allow the public to judge them, this was known as the
…show more content…
Impression Sunrise by Monet in 1873 seemed to set the tone for this movement. Monet used oil paints on canvas. He used quick brush strokes to create dull boats sailing on the ocean with a vibrant sun shining over all as the focal point of this piece. In the background it looks as though there may be factories creating smoke. Personally I love this piece. I feel as though Monet is saying that no matter how polluted our lives get and how dark it may seem today, tomorrow a new sun will rise as beautiful as ever. Monet travelled the country to search for all things beautiful and in this piece it gives us insight as to how he saw the