ART 228 - Seminar in Art: French Impressionism

Shaw

What is French Impressionism and why do we all seem to love it so?

What was once derisively called “mere impressions” of “ugliness” is still almost a century and a half later, arguably the most popular art of our time.  The works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Auguste Renoir, Frédéric Bazille, Berthe Morisot, Gustave Caillebotte, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley, Mary Cassatt, and many others known as “The Independents,” were shown in eight exhibitions from 1874 to 1886.  This seminar will examine the beginnings, techniques, historical context, critiques, and legacies of these artists who are now considered as having some of the most beautiful paintings ever made.