Impressionism and Art Movements

What Is an Art Movement?#

Throughout history, groups of artists have sometimes shared similar ideas, techniques, and goals. When this happens, we call it an art movement. Understanding art movements helps us see how art changes over time and why.

What Is an Art Movement?#

An art movement is a group of artists who work during the same period and share similar ideas, styles, or goals in their art. Art movements often arise as reactions to what came before, or as responses to changes in society, science, or philosophy.

Major Art Movements Through History#

Renaissance (1400s-1600s)

• Focus on realism, human anatomy, and perspective
• Artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael
• Key ideas: humanism, scientific observation, classical inspiration

Baroque (1600s-1700s)

• Dramatic lighting, movement, emotional intensity
• Artists: Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Vermeer

Neoclassicism (late 1700s-early 1800s)

• Return to ancient Greek and Roman ideals, clear lines, order
• In reaction to the ornate Baroque style

Romanticism (early-mid 1800s)

• Emotional expression, nature, adventure, drama
• Artists: Delacroix, Turner
• Reacted against cold Neoclassicism

Realism (mid 1800s)

• Painted ordinary life and working people honestly
• Artists: Courbet, Millet

Impressionism (1860s-1880s) Our focus today — a revolutionary movement that changed art forever!

Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract art followed in the 1900s.

Why Do Art Movements Change?#

Art changes when:

• Society changes (industrial revolution, wars, new inventions)
• New ideas challenge old ones
• Artists rebel against established rules
• New materials or technologies become available (photography changed art forever!)