The Impressionist movement in the world of art brought about a revolution in the 19th century. The artists who began this movement aimed to capture the momentary and ever-changing qualities of light, color, and atmosphere. They embraced innovative techniques and rejected conventional methods, which made them pioneers of the modern art era. However, like many other groundbreaking movements, Impressionism faced its fair share of criticisms and challenges. In this article, we will explore the criticisms faced by Impressionist artists and how they overcame them to leave a lasting impact on the art world.
One of the criticisms faced by Impressionist artists was their rejection of traditional art techniques. The Impressionists’ aim was not to create a perfect representation of reality, but rather to capture their own perception and feelings of a specific moment. This approach was seen as a departure from the academic style of painting, which focused on precise lines, proportions and historical or religious subjects. Many critics deemed Impressionist paintings as unfinished and lacking in technical skill. This perception can be seen in the scathing review of Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise” by renowned art critic Louis Leroy, where he mocked the unfinished appearance of the painting and sarcastically referred to the artists as “Impressionists.”
Another criticism faced by Impressionist artists was the subject matter of their paintings. Instead of grandiose and heroic depictions of historical events or figures, Impressionists chose to paint everyday scenes from daily life, such as landscapes, street views, and ordinary people doing mundane tasks. These subjects were often considered trivial and not worthy of being considered art. Some critics labeled Impressionist paintings as “fleeting and superficial,” failing to recognize the depth of emotion and the technical skill required to capture a particular moment in time.
In addition to facing criticism from the established art community, Impressionist artists also had to battle for acceptance and recognition from the public and art buyers. The unconventional style and subject matter of Impressionist works were a sharp contrast to the popular academic art of the time. This led to many struggles for the artists to showcase their work and gain financial stability. Dealers and art galleries refused to display their paintings, and buyers were hesitant to invest in such unconventional pieces. It was not until the late 1860s and early 1870s that galleries and collectors began to embrace Impressionism, and the movement gained recognition and success.
Despite the numerous criticisms and challenges, Impressionist artists persevered and left an indelible mark in the history of art. They formed a close-knit community, supporting and inspiring each other, and brought forth a new way of seeing and portraying the world. Their use of vivid colors, short brushstrokes and focus on light and atmosphere paved the way for future art movements, such as Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Fauvism, and Expressionism.
In conclusion, the Impressionists’ revolutionary movement faced harsh criticisms and challenges, both from within the established art community and the general public. However, they defied conventional norms and pushed the boundaries of art, ultimately gaining recognition and becoming one of the most influential art movements of all time. Today, their paintings are highly sought after, and the Impressionists are celebrated as visionary artists who dared to challenge the status quo and redefine the art world.