The art style of Impressionism is a mixed bag to me. I have conflicted opinions on the style because it seems to vary from artist to artist. Sometimes the painting can feel lazy and effortless, regardless of how much work was put into it. Other times the style creates a vibrant atmosphere with color and, unexpectedly, detail.
Impression, Sunrise
Claude Monet
Le Havre, France 1873
Most notable on the negative side for me is the piece after which impressionism was named: Claude Monet’s Impression, Sunrise. When I look at this painting, all I can see is a dreary setting with little change in tone and simply slashed on marks of paint. From my perspective the painting has no aesthetic qualities. It is said that an art critic had commented on its incomplete look before it was named, and I must say that I agree and I find it distasteful. This was not an uncommon criticism for Impressionism at the time. As previous styles were elegant, realistic, and technical, the Impressionist style was more free. Where before the argument was line versus color, now light and brush stroke became the focus. I have to say I much prefer the intricate details of the Classical Era over the undefined brush strokes of the Impressionist paintings. One of the reasons this painting is so popular is its play on luminance. Because of the lack of contrast between the sun and the gray clouds the sun appears to pulsate. I personally don’t feel this effect nor do I particularly care for its significance because I find the painting as a whole to be aesthetically displeasing.
La Moulin de La Galette
Auguste Renoir
Paris, France 1876
On the other side of the coin, my favorite Impressionist artist would have to be Auguste Renoir. Unlike Monet’s painting, La Moulin de La Galette (and other paintings done by Renoir) is a beautiful painting with a happy scene full of flickering light. This painting, like many impression paintings, contains a happy subject of middle-upper class pastime. The subject is reminescent of the Rococo style of France, an obviously continuation of the theme as the middle class continued to prosper during the Romantic era. For instance, The Pilgrimage from Cythera by Jean-Antoine Watteau depicts a frivolous outdoor gathering. I find it to be less appealing than Renoir’s because of how serious it feels. The free brush strokes of impressionism allow the viewer to feel the liveliness of a gathering. Also a factor in this is how Renoir brings the viewer right up close to the party, rather than giving distance and focusing on the scenery. While the painting is still made blurry by the lack of defined lines characteristic of impressionism, it contains something Monet’s piece lacks: color and detail. There are lights and shadows and while it is crowded most of the image remains distinguishable.
Impressionism can be beautiful and freeing, or it can be drab and undefined. Either way it is an incredibly unique style of art and nobody can deny that.
Isn’t it amazing the differences in taste and appeal? I definitely prefer Impressionism over past eras, and absolutely prefer Monet’s landscapes over Renoir’s much too busy paintings. Your impressions on the aesthetic qualities of each were very interesting to read. I believe that all eras and styles of art can be seen as “beautiful and freeing, or it can be drab and undefined” it just depends on the eye of the beholder.
You say you prefer the Classical era over the Impressionist. Is this only because of the style of brush strokes, or does it also relate to subject matter?
Despite the fact that this style of art is my personal favorite, I have to agree with you that Monet’s Sunrise is probably not the best piece to display if one is trying to win someone over to Impressionism. I happen to love Monet’s work because of how colorful and detailed it is, his other works are much better examples of this. K. Fritze has a point regarding Renoir’s painting being a bit busy, but it definitely expresses the happy, lightness you discuss. I also find the way Renoir brings us up close to the activity in the painting very appealing, it makes you feel more a part of the event rather than a distant spectator.
I agree with both previous comments. I too perfer “Impressionism” over the rest of the artistic styles that we have covered. I am not sure why you would call Monet’s “Sunrise” distasteful? Is it because the sun is painted at the same intensity as the sky? Whatever it is, I am sure that there are some that would agree but with you bur I say this is a wonderful example of art in the romantic movement. I think it is amazing that this painting “Sunrise”, is the painting for which the “Impressionism” movement was named after. Looking at this painting as a black and white, compared to the original vibrant color painting really gives the viewer an apperciation for the use of color and the movment in the actual painting.
I agree that “Sunset” does look incomplete. Of all of the paintings that I have been exposed to so far in this course, I must say that it is my least favorite. I believe that it has aesthetic qualities but I don’t see them as obviously as I do in others.
It sounds like we agree on art. I appreciate your arguments for the pros and cons of Impressionism. What would you say your favorite era for visual art has been so far? Thanks for sharing your ideas.