Impressionism revolutionized the art scene in France between 1870 and 1880 with its colors and innovative brushstrokes.
This movement broke away from traditional studio practices, embracing outdoor painting to capture the fleeting moments of modern life.
By emphasizing light’s different qualities and unusual visual angles, Impressionist artists created works that felt both fresh and authentic.
Despite initial criticism, Impressionism quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the most beloved movements in art history. Today, its legacy endures through iconic masterpieces that highlight historical importance, beauty, and artistic value.
Exploring the top nine artworks of the Impressionist movement offers a glimpse into the sensory experiences and subjective perceptions that define this groundbreaking style.
From the lively scenes of everyday life to the masterful depiction of light, these paintings continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
1. Impression Sunrise by Claude Monet
Claude Monet’s Impression Sunrise (1872) is a cornerstone of the Impressionist movement. Exhibited in 1874, this painting not only showcased Monet’s innovative techniques but also inspired the very name “Impressionism.”
Featuring a harmonious palette of gentle blues, oranges, and greens, the artwork seamlessly blends the sea, land, and sky.
Instead of focusing on detailed subjects like the harbor or boatmen, Monet captures the fleeting warmth and color of sunlight.
His use of short, broken brushstrokes and pure, unblended colors emphasizes the effects of light, embodying the essence of Impressionism.
2. Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh
Painted in June 1889, “Starry Night” captures Vincent van Gogh’s view from his asylum room window at night. This iconic oil on canvas features swirling skies with blues, glowing stars, and a quiet village below.
Influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e prints, Van Gogh’s expressive brushstrokes bring emotion to the scene.
Although he saw it as a failure, today “Starry Night” is celebrated as one of his most famous works and resides at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Its captivating composition continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.
3. Water Lilies by Claude Monet
Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series includes over 250 oil-on-canvas paintings, reflecting his deep connection to his Giverny garden.
Featuring purple lilies and golden-green leaves, these artworks emphasize the multicolored surface of the water, mirroring clouds and willow trees.
Dominated by greens, blues, and violets, with accents of whites, pinks, and yellows, Monet’s later pieces grew more abstract with smooth, expressive brushstrokes.
Despite battling cataracts, he continued to paint daily, producing numerous versions displayed worldwide in institutions like London’s National Gallery and Paris’s Musée d’Orsay. Water Lilies stands as a testament to Monet’s innovative and enduring Impressionist legacy.
4. Bal du Moulin de la Galette by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Bal du Moulin de la Galette (1876) stands as one of his first masterpieces and a quintessential example of Impressionist art.
Painted in Montmartre, Paris, the artwork captures a lively afternoon at the famous Moulin de la Galette, a popular gathering spot for bohemians and artists like Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh.
Renoir employs colors and dynamic brushstrokes to depict dancers and socialites enjoying the festivities under dappled sunlight.
The painting’s joyful atmosphere and masterful use of light exemplify the Impressionist focus on everyday moments and the fleeting qualities of natural light, solidifying its status as a 19th-century masterpiece.
5. Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party” (1881) vividly captures a joyful gathering by the Seine.
Painted en plein air, it features Renoir and friends like Gustave Caillebotte and Aline Charigot enjoying a relaxed meal.
The artwork reflects the weakening class divisions in 19th-century France, showcasing diverse individuals united in merriment.
Renoir’s fluid brushstrokes and light emphasize the lively atmosphere, earning praise at the seventh Impressionist exhibition.
Today, it resides in Washington’s Phillips Collection, exemplifying Renoir’s talent for portraying everyday elegance and human connection.
6. The Dance Class by Edgar Degas
Edgar Degas’s The Dance Class (1874) stands as a top Impressionist artwork, capturing the rigorous training of young ballerinas under the stern watch of their master, Jules Perrot.
Unlike typical Impressionist landscapes, Degas focuses on indoor scenes, using bright pastel colors to show movement and modern life.
His high vantage point emphasizes the dancers’ poses over their expressions, creating intimacy and highlighting their professional dedication.
This painting reflects Degas’s unique blend of realism and Impressionism, showcasing his ability to depict contemporary subjects with energy and precise detail.
7. Haystacks by Claude Monet
Claude Monet’s Haystacks series, created between 1889 and 1891, features 15 stunning canvases depicting haystacks in Giverny’s countryside.
Monet masterfully captures different light conditions and seasons, showcasing his innovative use of color and brushstroke.
Each painting emphasizes the fleeting effects of sunlight and shadow, creating and dynamic scenes. This series not only highlights Monet’s ability to convey the essence of nature but also influenced future art movements.
Artists like Kandinsky admired its abstract qualities, recognizing the hidden strength of Monet’s palette. The Haystacks remain a cornerstone of Impressionist art.
8. Two Sisters (On the Terrace) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s “Two Sisters (On the Terrace)” captures the essence of Impressionism with its colors and lively composition.
Created in the mid-1880s, the painting features two young women seated gracefully on a sunlit terrace, engaging in a candid moment.
Renoir applies his aigre technique, using thick, dynamic brushstrokes for the background to suggest natural movement, while the figures are rendered with soft textures and precise lines.
The interplay of light and shadow highlights Renoir’s skill in portraying relaxed, intimate scenes, reflecting his focus on leisure and the beauty of everyday life.
9. Woman with a Parasol – Madame Monet and Her Son by Claude Monet
“Woman with a Parasol” captures Camille and Jean Monet enjoying a breezy summer walk. Painted in 1875, this masterpiece showcases Monet’s mastery of light and color.
Spontaneous brushstrokes depict the playful wind in the waving grass and Camille’s flowing dress. The strong upward perspective emphasizes the expansive sky, while vivid hues add a casual, lively feel.
Executed en plein air, Monet’s use of bright contrasts and detailed textures embodies Impressionism’s essence. This artwork highlights a tender family moment and illustrates the innovative techniques that defined the movement.
