Impressionism Flashcards
Dates
1870-1900
What did they try to capture?
They wanted to capture modern contemporary life, to capture an instant impression it it. Hence the subject matter was often leisure activities, trains or bridges.
What was the most common technique? and why?
en plein air, naturally light could not be controlled and it offered the most truthful expression of forms and colours.
What was dawn light called?
Gris-clar, thought to be the most truthful.
What took precedence over form and composition
colour.
How were paints blended
Rarely on the palette, often put side by side on the canvas and left to merge optically or were mixed directly on the canvas.
When did Monet paint ‘impressionist Sunrise’ and ‘La Grenouillere’
1872 and 1869 respectively.
When was the ‘Swing’ painted
1876
Why is Degas not an impressionist?
His work was based on reflection as well as impression. He was more of a draftsmen and depicted his characters in much greater detail.
Who did Degas work focus on?
Often the lowest in society, at that time this tended to be exploited women: prostitues, dancers, ballet dancers etc.
‘Hangover’ and ‘Women with Chrysanthemums’
1876 and 1873
What were unusual about Degas vantage points?
They would often be very close to the subject, his work would often cut parts of his subjects out.
