claude monet impression art Impression Sunrise

The Birth of Impressionism: Claude Monet's 'Impression, Sunrise'

In the late 19th century, French artist Claude Monet revolutionized the art world with his innovative style, which came to be known as Impressionism. The term 'Impressionist' was initially used derisively by critics, but it eventually became a badge of honor for the artists who pioneered this new movement.

Monet's journey towards Impressionism began when he returned to France from London, where he had escaped the Franco-Prussian War in 1870-71. He settled first in Argenteuil, then moved west to Vétheuil, Poissy, and finally to Giverny in 1883. His landscapes captured the beauty of the French countryside, as well as the hustle and bustle of Parisian life.

Monet's subjects were often inspired by his immediate surroundings, including the people and places he knew best. He frequently used his wives, Camille and Alice, as models for his paintings. Despite facing criticism from art critics at the time, Monet continued to develop his unique style, which emphasized loose brushstrokes and indistinct forms.

The painting that would come to define Impressionism was 'Impression, Sunrise' (1873), a work that drew scorn for its unfinished appearance. However, this rejection only fueled Monet's desire to create art on his own terms. In 1874, he joined forces with other like-minded artists, including Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Camille Pissarro, and Renoir, to establish an independent exhibition.

Throughout his career, Monet consistently depicted the landscape and leisure activities of Paris and its environs, as well as the Normandy coast. His unique style strove to capture on canvas the very act of perceiving nature, paving the way for modernism in the 20th century.

In conclusion, Claude Monet's 'Impression, Sunrise' marked a turning point in the development of Impressionist art. The painting's innovative use of light and color paved the way for a new era of artistic expression, one that would come to define the 20th century.

Claude monet impression art Impression Sunrise