Impressionism

February 20, 2021

Who Was John Singer Sargent? Meet the Edwardian Era’s Favorite Portraitist

Artists hope to achieve fame in their own lifetime. American expatriate John Singer Sargent was among those who could claim this rarified status. In the late 19th and early 20th century, few painters were more sought after than him. The rich of Gilded Age America and Edwardian London commissioned portraits by the renowned artist after having been drawn in by the natural warmth of Sargent's treatment of each subject.

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February 16, 2020

The Story Behind Renoir’s ‘Bal du moulin de la Galette’

In the 19th century, the Impressionists pioneered a new way to paint world. Characterized by loose brushwork and a vivid color palette, their paintings challenged traditional notions of the practice. In addition to introducing new stylistic considerations, Impressionist artists are renowned for another unprecedented act: bringing painting out of the studio and into the sunlight.

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June 12, 2019

How Impressionism Changed the Art World and Continues to Inspire Us Today

Admired by art experts, popular with the public, and widely exhibited in the world's top museums, Impressionism has dominated the art world for nearly 150 years. Renowned for its painters' pioneering approach to art, the groundbreaking genre has facilitated the emergence and shaped the evolution of several art movements, solidifying its role as the catalyst of modern art. While Impressionism's distinctive aesthetic is undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, the context of the canvases is just as captivating.

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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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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.