Impressionism

October 11, 2020

5 of Renoir’s Most Famous Paintings That Any Impressionism Lover Should Know

French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir was not only a leading figure in 19th-century art, but he also had a central role in the Impressionist movement. Together with Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Camille Pissarro, he would go on to forge a new path and reject the classical tradition of academic French painting. After exhibiting his work in the First Impressionist Exhibition of 1874, Renoir became a successful and sought after painter.

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August 18, 2019

How Scandal Helped Shape Édouard Manet’s ‘Olympia’ into a Modern Masterpiece

In the 19th century, several major art movements emerged in Europe, including Realism and Impressionism. Though drastically different in style, this pair of genres had one important artist in common: Édouard Manet. Manet's groundbreaking work both blurs the line and bridges the gap between the distinctive movements, with the world-famous Olympia serving as a key example. Through a contemporary lens, Olympia is embraced as an important precursor to modern art.

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April 14, 2019

Rediscovering Joaquín Sorolla: The Spanish Impressionist Known as a “Master of Light”

As the catalyst of modern art, Impressionism has evolved into one of the most influential art movements in history. Pioneered by Paris-based painters in the late 19th century, Impressionism has inspired countless artists over the last 150 years. While many of these figures lived and worked in France, Joaquín Sorolla brought the movement to Spain, where his luminous work earned him the title “Master of Light.

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May 20, 2018

Degas’ Dancers: How Ballerinas Inspired the Iconic Impressionist Artist

No matter how many muses inspired them, certain Impressionist artists are associated with a single, signature subject. From Claude Monet‘s Water Lilies to the mother-daughter relationships captured by Mary Cassatt, each theme offers viewers a glimpse into the artist's interests, influences, and experiences. While most Impressionists opted to explore their favorite subjects only in oils, French artist Edgar Degas took it a step further, rendering his beloved ballerinas in paint, pastel, pencil, ink, and even wax.

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