Impressionism

Ralph Skea

ISBN 10: 0500294364 / ISBN 13: 9780500294369

Published by Thames and Hudson Ltd, GB, 2019

About this Item

It is often forgotten just how provocative Impressionist canvases seemed when they were first exhibited in 1874. The advocates of the new style rejected the established principles of art prevalent at that time in France. This book traces Impressionism's origins to its spread to America and Australia. Ralph Skea shows how Impressionist artists transformed everyday subject matter. Daringly using colour and rapid brushstrokes, the Impressionists worked out of doors, creating paintings that captured the transient effects of light and feeling. Impressionism's initial shock factor gradually gave way to widespread acceptance, but only now can we appreciate how profound its influence has been on modern art.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780500294369

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Impressionism
• Publisher: Thames and Hudson Ltd, GB
• Publication Date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0500294364
• ISBN 13: 9780500294369
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 400 grams

About this title

Synopsis

An introduction to the impressionist movement, highlighting the great artists, their masterpieces, and impressionism’s enduring influence.

It is often forgotten just how provocative and unsettling impressionist canvases seemed when they were first exhibited in 1874. Critics, professional artists, and gallery visitors alike were shocked to encounter the unorthodox paintings on display, with their seemingly unfinished surfaces and lack of any elements of traditional composition. The advocates of this new approach rejected nearly all the established principles and practices of oil painting prevalent at that time in France.

Tracing the origins and history of impressionism in a concise, introductory volume, Ralph Skea highlights the major differences between the new techniques and aesthetic principles of the impressionists and the academic art they abhorred, and goes a step further in exploring the original intellectual focus of the movement. Skea explores the impressionists’ desire to investigate their own sensory perceptions when painting, which resulted in their unique “impressions.”

An ideal companion for museum-goers, as well as those who are entirely new to the subject, Impressionism weaves an engaging narrative around a selection of striking illustrations, discussing the movement’s greatest artists, their works and where to find them.

85 illustrations in color

About the Author

Ralph Skea was for many years a senior lecturer in European urban conservation at the University of Dundee, Scotland. He is the author of Vincent’s Gardens, Vincent’s Trees, Monet’s Trees, and Vincent’s Portraits.