Emerging in 19th-century France, Impressionist art embraced loose brushwork and plein-air painting to respond to the movement of daily life. Although the pioneers of the Impressionist movement — Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir — are now household names, their work was a radical break with an art scene led and shaped by academic traditions for around two centuries. These academies had oversight of a curriculum that emphasized formal drawing, painting and sculpting techniques and historical themes.
The French Impressionists were influenced by a group of artists known as the Barbizon School, who painted what they witnessed in nature. The rejection of pieces by these artists and the later Impressionists from the salons culminated in a watershed 1874 exhibition in Paris that was staged outside of the juried systems. After a work of Monet’s was derided by a critic as an unfinished “impression,” the term was taken as a celebration of their shared interest in capturing fleeting moments as subject matter, whether the shifting weather on rural landscapes or the frenzy of an urban crowd. Rather than the exacting realism of the academic tradition, Impressionist paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings represented how an artist saw a world in motion.
Many Impressionist painters were inspired by the perspectives in imported Japanese prints alongside these shifts in European painting — Édouard Manet drew on ukiyo-e woodblock prints and depicted Japanese design in his Portrait of Émile Zola, for example. American artists such as Mary Cassatt and William Merritt Chase, who studied abroad, were impacted by the work of the French artists, and by the late 19th century American Impressionism had its own distinct aesthetics with painters responding to the rapid modernization of cities through quickly created works that were vivid with color and light.
Find a collection of authentic Impressionist art on 1stDibs.
White Pitcher with Flowers
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Original painting on ceramic tile, then glazed. Signed by the Artist on the lower left. 4 piece set.
Ceramic, Paint, Glaze
Misty Morning On The Loch, Natalie Bird, Original Landscape Mixed Media Work
By Natalie Bird
Located in Deddington, GB
Misty morning on the loch by Natalie Bird [2021] original Mixed media Image size: H:20 cm x W:25 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:28 cm x W:36 cm x D:1cm Sold Unframed Please no...
Paper, Mixed Media
Jo Haran, Rose Bush on Silver, Original Floral Painting, Rose Art
By Jo Haran
Located in Deddington, GB
Rose Bush on Silver [2021] Original Flowers Watercolour, gouache and gesso Image size: H:52.7 cm x W:39 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:56 cm x W:42 cm x D:0.001cm Sold Unframed...
Gesso, Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Gouache
Original Bruno SamMartino vs. Baron Mikel Scicluna 1
By LeRoy Neiman
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
LeRoy Neiman Original Mixed media on paper; including tempera, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, and conti crayon Dated 1966 9 1/2″ x 9 1/4″ viewabl...
Conté, Pastel, Acrylic, Watercolor
Doorway - Obidos, Portugal, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This street scene in Obidos, Portugal is offered as a unique print using casein and watercolor pigment hardened with the bichromate process on watercolor paper. It is 8x12" on 11x14...
Mixed Media
Tall Cypress, France, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of a scene in France near the town of Brive-la-Gaillarde is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cya...
Mixed Media
Columbine, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of a columbine blossom in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor pape...
Mixed Media
Thistle, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of a thistle in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It...
Mixed Media
Iris, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of an iris with buds is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It is 10x15...
Mixed Media
Columbine, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of columbines in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It is...
Mixed Media
Hyacinth, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of a hyacinth in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It is...
Mixed Media
Rose, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of a rose in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It is 10x...
Mixed Media
Clematis, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of a clematis blossom in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper...
Mixed Media
Hollyhock, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of a hollyhock in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It i...
Mixed Media
Iris, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of an iris in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It is 10...
Mixed Media
Iris Buds, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of iris buds in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It is ...
Mixed Media
Rosebud, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of a rosebud in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It is ...
Mixed Media
Columbine, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of columbines in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It is...
Mixed Media
Iris, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of rain drops on an Iris in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor pa...
Mixed Media
Apricots and Cherries, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Fennel Bulb, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It is...
Mixed Media
Iris, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image of an Iris in my garden is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and casein hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It is 10...
Mixed Media
Baby Eggplant, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Garlic, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Tomatoes, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This image from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. It is...
Mixed Media
Limes in a Bowl, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Sweet Potatoes, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Feta with Breadsticks and Olives, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Duval and Herring, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Blood Orange, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Parsnips, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Purple and Orange Carrots, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Lychees, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Pear and Grapes, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Roquefort with Wine, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
This still life from my Kitchen Series is offered as a unique print using watercolor pigment and gum arabic hardened with the bichromate process over cyanotype on watercolor paper. ...
Mixed Media
Magical Metroplis, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Magical Metropolis, a large abstract cityscape in blue, cream, grey and yellow. A cool, wintry sort of painting with a magical vibe to lift your Christmas mood. Beautiful colour and ...
Mixed Media
Susan and the Red Chair, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Charcoal and oil painting of woman leaning on back of large chair :: Mixed Media :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artis...
Mixed Media
My Mistake Too, Mixed Media on Paper
By Amy Bernays
Located in Yardley, PA
Painted digital print :: Mixed Media :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Sig...
Mixed Media
My Mistake, Mixed Media on Paper
By Amy Bernays
Located in Yardley, PA
Painted digital print :: Mixed Media :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Sig...
Mixed Media
My Mistake 4, Mixed Media on Paper
By Amy Bernays
Located in Yardley, PA
Painted digital print :: Mixed Media :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Sig...
Mixed Media
Cafe Intelligencia 2, Mixed Media on Paper
By Amy Bernays
Located in Yardley, PA
Painted digital print :: Mixed Media :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Sig...
Mixed Media
Lismnore Castle Ireland, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
digitally manipulated photography, printed on cotton sateen, hand quilted, taller-wrapped on stretched canvas from my Echoes series. :: Mixed Media :: Impressionist :: This piece com...
Mixed Media
Homage to Vincent, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
digitally manipulated photography, printed on cotton sateen, hand quilted, gallery wrapped oon stretched canvas :: Mixed Media :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official c...
Mixed Media
OLALLA, Mixed Media on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
The Making of OLALLA Inspired by hometown where my studio is in the Pacific Northwest, OLALLA is a sweepingly large landscape at 24 x 60. Its soft muted tones speak to the scenic ...
Mixed Media
Tribute to Matisse
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Original painting on ceramic tile then glazed. Signed by the Artist on the lower left. #318 2 piece set.
Ceramic, Paint, Glaze
Endurance, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Acrylic painting on paper. Original limited edition c-prints (20) on Canson Infinity Rag, 100% cotton museum grade white Fine Art paper or similar. :: Mixed Media :: Impressionist ...
Mixed Media
New York City Skyline Rain Snow Storm Diner, Mixed Media on Canvas
By Tony Rubino
Located in Yardley, PA
Are you a rain fan who loves New York? These make perfect gift ideas for friends and family who can’t get enough water art and modern art. A different, cool, gift for a man or woman who is a city street lover or, rainy day lover, and likes to make an independent statement about, painting, painter, artist, birthday, Christmas, Memes, funny pictures or serious fine art. Shop this bold, bright, colorful, black and white awesome design. This independent artistic nostalgia, Retro painting men and women makes beautiful original, pop art Tee shirts, Tees, posters and prints. From Tony Rubino classic fashion gift...
Mixed Media
Appreciate what you have, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Title - Appreciate what you have “Appreciate what you have before time makes you appreciate what you had.†Size: 48 x 48 inches This is a one of a kind authentic painting...
Mixed Media
"USA Battleships, Hudson River NY"
By Hayley Lever
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Signed LR Born in Adelaide, Australia, Hayley Lever was known for his town-shore landscapes and still-life painting in a style that combined impressionism with vivid colors and stro...
Mixed Media, Oil Pastel