From canvas to revolution: how Impressionism changed the way we see the world

Impressionism transformed art in the 19th century: rapid brushstrokes, vibrant light and a new way of looking at the world.

What happens when a group of artists decide to challenge the established norms? In the mid-19th century, while the academies were dictating what should be considered art, a movement began to take shape in Paris with a simple but powerful idea: paint what you see, the instant you see it.

The world before Impressionism.

The second half of the nineteenth century was a period of accelerated transformations in Europe. The Industrial Revolution altered urban life, scientific advances changed the perception of nature, and photography began to question the role of art as a mere record of reality.

In this context, the art academies imposed strict rules: balanced compositions, classical perspective, lofty subjects. Any deviation was harshly criticized and consigned to oblivion. Art had to follow a canon and not stray from the margins.

Birth of the movement.

In cafés, ateliers and gatherings in Paris, a group of young painters began to meet with a common idea: to break free from academic rules and capture the essence of immediate reality.
Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro and Berthe Morisot, among others, organized in 1874 an independent exhibition. There, a critic mocked Monet's painting Impression, Rising Sun and coined the term "impressionists". What was born as a mockery became the banner of an artistic movement.

His works were characterized by:

- Quick and visible brushstrokes.
- Light as the protagonist.
- Everyday scenes instead of great historical feats.
- Painting in the open air (plein air), facilitated by the invention of the oil tube.

A new way of seeing the world.

Impressionism was not only an aesthetic revolution, but also a new way of looking at reality.

Leaving the studio to paint outdoors made it possible to capture the changes in light, the reflections in the water, the shadows in movement. It broke with the rigid composition, opting for almost photographic framing. And, most importantly, art was democratized: everyday life became worthy of being portrayed.

Reactions and controversies.

The initial rejection was fierce. Critics and public ridiculed the works, calling them "drafts" or "unfinished stains". The press took it upon itself to amplify the scandal, unintentionally contributing to their fame.
Over time, that incomprehension gave way to fascination. What began as mockery became recognition, and the "impressionists" ended up occupying a central place in the history of art.

Legacy and impact on modern art.

The spirit of Impressionism opened paths for later movements such as post-impressionism, fauvism and abstract art. His influence expanded beyond painting, reaching photography, film and design.
Today, his works continue to captivate the public in museums around the world. Not only because of their beauty, but also because they represent an act of courage: questioning norms and daring to look differently.

Impressionism reminds us that every creative revolution begins with an uncomfortable question: why continue doing things the way they have always been done?.

Monet, Renoir, Morisot and their peers didn't just change painting, they changed the way we look at the world. Perhaps the next artistic revolution is in the hands (or on the canvas) of those we least imagine.

Related resources on Domestika:

Painting courses on Domestika
Introduction to the history of art