ARTISTS
Monet to Matisse: Masterworks of French Impressionism
Beginning in 1853, the city of Paris underwent a dramatic modernization as Georges Haussmann鈥檚 urban plan transformed the French capital from a chaotic web of medieval streets to a more orderly system of wide, tree-lined boulevards, bustling with energy in its many cafes and parks. As keen observers of the changes taking place around them, a group of artists began to move away from more traditional forms of art rooted in history and religion, dedicating themselves instead to 鈥渢he painting of modern life鈥� and to creating their work en plein air, or directly on location, to give a quick impression of a particular moment in nature. Ultimately, this group would become known as the Impressionists. They organized eight independent exhibitions between 1874 and 1886, where they continued to promote the practice of painting directly from nature and recording modern life as a means of conveying truth in art. In doing so, they changed the course of art history, revolutionizing the way art was viewed in Paris, and eventually around the world.
Recommended for you
Beginning in 1853, the city of Paris underwent a dramatic modernization as Georges Haussmann鈥檚 urban plan transformed the French capital from a chaotic web of medieval streets to a more orderly system of wide, tree-lined boulevards, bustling with energy in its many cafes and parks. As keen observers of the changes taking place around them, a group of artists began to move away from more traditional forms of art rooted in history and religion, dedicating themselves instead to 鈥渢he painting of modern life鈥� and to creating their work en plein air, or directly on location, to give a quick impression of a particular moment in nature. Ultimately, this group would become known as the Impressionists. They organized eight independent exhibitions between 1874 and 1886, where they continued to promote the practice of painting directly from nature and recording modern life as a means of conveying truth in art. In doing so, they changed the course of art history, revolutionizing the way art was viewed in Paris, and eventually around the world.
Artists on show
Contact details
Related articles
The all-stars of late 19th Century painting are on display at the Telfair Museums' Jepson Center in its Monet to Matisse: Masterworks of French Impressionism from the Dixon Gallery and Gardens exhibit.
What's on nearby
