From the inimitable Monet to fab females like Mary Cassatt, Musement shares ten Impressionist painters who were fundamental to this 19th-century art movement.
There’s probably no group of artists whose work is as storied as the Impressionists. A 19th-century art movement born in France, Impressionism was characterized not only by painting mostly outdoors and “on the spot” but also by an emphasis on light and motion. In April 1874, a group of 30 artists organized an exhibition for their works in Paris, and the rest is history. The Impressionist movement then spawned post-Impressionism which included Van Gogh and Cezanne among its ilk.
This April 15, 2024, marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Impressionism. To celebrate, the Musée d’Orsay, along with other French cultural institutions, is hosting a special exhibition featuring 130 masterpieces by some of its most prominent and well-known artists. To get yourself in the mood for the big event, here are ten of the world’s most famous Impressionist painters and their standout works.
1. Claude Monet, 1840 – 1926
There’s arguably no name as synonymous with Impressionism as Monet and no works so emblematic of the movement than his Water Lillies series. The artist resided in Giverney, his in Normandy estate outfitted with a Japanese water garden. Though he never visited Japan, the country inspired him nevertheless. Monet’s Impression, Sunrise (1872) lent its name to the art movement. Though, the moniker was imparted facetiously as many couldn’t understand how this style was indeed art. Read about more of his works here.
2. Édouard Manet, 1832 – 1833
Though he considered himself more of a Realist, Manet warrants a mention as he’s known for building the bridge between Realism and Impressionism. Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe (The Luncheon on the Grass</em, 1863), one of his most famous works, is on display at the D’Orsay Museum. The painting depicts a nude female sharing lunch with two fully clothed gentlemen while another woman bathes in the lake…interpret the scenario as you see fit.
3. Pierre-August Renoir, (1841-1919)
Renoir’s distinct style is characterized by softness, voluptuousness, and sensuality. Of all the Impressionists, his works are considered the most “traditional,” and he’s known for capturing landscapes and leisurely joyous occasions, such as in his Luncheon of the Boating Party. Some of his most famous works include the Ball at the Moulin de la Galette (1876), which captures Parisian life at a Montmartre locale, Dance at Bougival (1883), The Bathers (1918 – 1919), and La Grenouillère (1869).
4. Gustave Caillebotte, 1848 – 1894
One of the foremost Impressionist painters, Caillebotte is often wrongfully overshadowed by his contemporaries, though the last decade has brought about several exhibits dedicated to the artist. Independently wealthy, Caillebotte financed the Impressionist art shows, purchased works from his peers, and even helped his friend Monet out of a few financial binds. One of his most unmistakeable works is the Paris Street, Rainy Day (1877), which can be found at the Art Institute of Chicago.
5. Berthe Morisot, 1841-1895
One of the few female Impressionist painters, Morisot happened to be married to Manet’s brother Eugène, also a painter. Her work was romantic and soft with a fanciful feminine flair, and evoked a sense of intimacy, often depicting people during seemingly private moments. The Cradle (1872) depicts her sister gazing at her baby, Young Girl in a Ballgown (1879), and The Port of Nice (1882) are among her most notable works.
6. Camille Pissaro, 1830 – 1903
This Danish-French landscape artist was born on the island of St. Thomas but eventually made his home in France where he was educated. He spent a lot of time outside of Paris as he preferred living and working in the open air.The Boulevard Montmartre on a Winter Morning (1897), which is one of several from a series dedicated to the Paris’ great boulevards, The Large Walnut Tree at l’Hermitage (1875), and Afternoon Sunshine, Pont Neuf (1901) are among his most noteworthy.
7. Marie Bracquemond, 1840 – 1916
Another lady who cracked the club, Marie Bracquemond often flies under the radar, partly due to her husband, Félix Bracquemond, a well-known artist who resented of her talent. She’s known for her whimsical implementations of color and textures as well as for a distinct luminosity and a delicate flair. Some of her most famous works include Afternoon Tea (1880), a portrayal of her sister seated in the garden reading a book beside a table with tea, Three Women with Umbrellas (1880), and Pierre Painting a Bouquet (1887), which depicts her son.
8. Edgar Degas, (1834 – 1917)
Some may be quicker to associate Degas’ name with his ballerinas than with the Impressionists, but he’s emblematic of the movement. In addition to his colorful array of dancer portrayals, Degas’ most famous works include The Absinthe Drinker (1876), A Cotton Office in New Orleans (1873) and Place de la Concorde (1876).
9. Mary Cassatt, 1844 – 1926
An American ex-pat in Paris, Mary Cassatt mostly captured women and children in candid backdrops. She had a deep friendship with Degas, who painted her a few times, and it was through him she became involved with the Impressionists. The Child’s Bath (1893), Mother and Child before a Pool (1898) and Woman with a Pearl Necklace in a Loge (1879) are among her most notable works.
10. Frédéric Bazille, 1841 – 1870
Bazille is responsible for laying the foundations of the Impressionist movement. When he enlisted for the Franco-Prussian war, unlike many of his friends who fled to avoid the draft, his life was cut tragically short at 28 years old when he was killed in combat. Sadly, he passed before the first-ever Impressionist exhibition and although his works weren’t showcased, he’s still considered fundamental to the movement. One of the first to paint outside, his best-known works include The Pink Dress (1864), Family Reunion (1867) and Studio in Rue de La Condamine(1870), in which he depicts himself surrounded by friends including Manet and Renoir.
