Impressionism is an artistic movement that emerged at the end of the 19th century. The term "impressionism" comes from the title of a painting by Claude Monet, which depicts the busy port of Le Havre. The painting is characterised by its soft, blurred colours and broad brushstrokes. These two attributes would become the hallmark of Impressionist paintings. The Impressionists sought to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life. They were interested in capturing light and colour, rather than creating detailed, realistic images. To do this, they often painted outdoors, using light and colour to create an impression of the scene in front of them. The Impressionists were also known for their use of 'broken' colours, or colours applied in small strokes side by side. This technique allows the viewer's eye to blend the colours, creating a more vivid and realistic effect. Overall, the Impressionists sought to capture a moment in time, rather than create a realistic image.

Among the most influential artists of the late 19th century, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Degas and Monet developed distinct styles that helped shape modern art. Born within a few years of each other, these artists all brought a unique vision to their work, informed by their respective cultures and environments. Van Gogh's intense and expressive brushstrokes were inspired by the landscapes of his native Netherlands, while Cézanne's geometric landscapes were shaped by his native Provence. Degas' scenes of everyday life were inspired by his observations of the bustling city of Paris, while Monet's paintings capture the ever-changing light and atmosphere of the French countryside. Although their approaches differed, these artists shared a commitment to painting from nature, and their works helped pave the way for future generations of Impressionist painters. The most famous Impressionist paintings are Claude Monet's Impression, Sunrise and Water Lilies, Van Gogh's Starry Night and Café Terrace at Night.

You want to buy reproductions of Claude Monet's paintings? Discover all our high quality reproductions by Galerie Mont-Blanc. We also offer reproductions of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh.