Unearthing 19th Century Art-e-Facts!
The Birth of the term âImpressionismâ
Impressionism, a term largely used to describe the work produced in the late 19th century, especially between 1867 and 1886, began as a radical departure from traditional painting techniques. Interestingly, the term "Impressionism" was originally coined as an insult by art critic Louis Leroy, who used it to describe Claude Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise" (1872) in a negative review, wherein the paintingâs loose brushwork and unfinished appearance were shocking to the traditional art establishment. However, the Impressionists embraced the term, which became synonymous with their revolutionary style. The founding Impressionist artists include Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas and Berthe Morisot.
Where was Starry Night created?
If you are into art, you plausibly know about âThe Starry Nightâ (1889), created by the extraordinary Post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh, which features an abstract landscape, showing a glorious and chromatic night sky, over a hillside village.
What is interesting, is the fact that it was painted by Gogh during his stay at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum near Provence, France. He painted while residing in the asylum, alternating between periods of intense creativity and despair. Gogh painted from observation, from his surroundings and views outside his window. Though his subjects were limited, his style was remarkably experimental.
Liberty leading the People: An artistic tribute
Eugène Delacroixâs masterpiece "Liberty Leading the People" (1830) is one of the most iconic paintings of the 19th century. Although people often associate it with the French Revolution of 1789, it was inspired by the July Revolution of 1830, which led to the overthrow of King Charles X. Despite receiving a mixed reception at first, Delacroix's heroic depiction of insurrection went on to become one of his most well-known paintings and a symbol of the July Revolution. The painting depicts a woman personifying Liberty, leading a diverse group of people over a barricade, symbolizing unity and struggle for freedom. Delacroix himself was deeply moved by the events of the revolution and wanted to capture the spirit of the uprising.
The first Art auction record
Joseph Mallord William Turner, an English Romantic painter known for his expressive landscapes and evocative studies of light and colour, were impressive in their range and grandeur. He achieved an art auction record that stood for nearly a century. In 1878, Turner's painting "The Grand Canal, Venice" sold for ÂŁ4,450 at a London auction, the highest price ever paid for a work by a living artist at the time.
Turner's use of light, colour and atmosphere influenced subsequent generations of artists, and his record sale underscored his significance in the art world.
Monetâs Water Lilies: A never-ending tale
Claude Monet, one of the founding figures of Impressionism, is renowned for his series of paintings of Water Lilies; some 250 oil paintings focused on the water lily pond in his garden, created from the late 1890s till 1926. As we associate Vincent Van Gogh with sunflowers, Monet is typically linked with water lilies.
Whatâs amusing is that Monet never intended to create the series; his water lily paintings became an obsession he pursued for 3 decades. The different versions captured the changing light and seasons in his garden at Giverny, which he initially wanted to transform into a Japanese water garden. This pond became the muse for his lifeâs artwork, encircled by cascading willows and covered with exotic water lilies.
Gustave Courbet was a pioneering French painter and leader of the Realism movement in mid-19th century France. In a revolt against the Romantic paintings of the day, Courbet depicted ordinary people and everyday scenes, a radical departure from the idealized subjects of traditional academic art.
Courbetâs painting "The Stone Breakers" (1849) is a quintessential example of Realism, showing two labourers engaged in the physically demanding task of breaking stones. Courbetâs focus on the harsh realities of life earned him both acclaim and controversy, solidifying his place as an inspiration in the art world and his work influenced modern movements that followed him.
The Influence of Japanese Art
The 19th century saw a significant influence of Japanese art on Western art and artists, a phenomenon which came to be known as Japonisme. The opening of Japan to the West in the 1850s introduced European artists to Japanese prints, textiles, and decorative arts.
Artists like Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and James McNeill Whistler were profoundly inspired by the bold compositions, flat planes of colour, and intricate details of Japanese art. This cross-cultural exchange led to a new aesthetic in Western art, blending Eastern and Western techniques and perspectives.
Conclusion
The 19th century was an interesting period of rapid change and immense innovation, both in the political & social world, as well as the art world. From the revolutionary beginnings of Impressionism to the influence of Japanese art on Western artists, this era was marked by a spirit of experimentation and a willingness to challenge the status quo. These fun facts offer just a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of 19th-century art, highlighting the creativity and eccentricity of the artists who defined this era.