Lesson 1: Origins of Impressionism
The origins of Impressionism are many and varied, yet they are all deeply rooted in the changes brought by the industrial and scientific revolutions and by the social changes resulting from the French Revolution. All the developments inherent in Modernism such as increasing secularism, scientific advances, new and more efficient modes of transportation and the rise of both socialism and the middle class, were factors in the changes that led to Impressionism.
In this unit we will look at the artistic and social milieu which preceded and led to the formation of the Impressionist Group.
Social Changes
The 18th century, in giving way to the 'modernity' of the 19th, saw, among other developments, a gradual shift from classicism to romanticism, which was reflected in the upheavals surrounding the French Revolution and the ascendancy of Napoleon Bonaparte.
To get a good chronological overview of events leading up to the period in which the Impressionists lived and worked, go to http://www.france.com/culture/history/ and click on the side menu entries. Here are the three periods you should take a look at:
1715 - 1804: Revolution
1804 - 1870: Napoleon
1870 - 1919: 19th Century
As you check out the site, think about the following questions.
Question 1:
What are some of the reasons for the French Revolution? How do you think the French Revolution would have influenced artists at the time?
You may want to do some additional research before answering the question. Try conducting keyword searches for "French Revolution," "18th Century France," "Robespierre," and "Declaration of the Rights of Man."
Question 2:
In 1852, Louis Napoleon, nephew of Napoleon I, was proclaimed Emperor Napoleon III by national plebiscite. How do you think the changes initiated by Napoleon III (e.g., redesigning Paris and starting the French industrial revolution) could have led to artists experimenting with new techniques as the Impressionists did?
