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.
$14,800
Van Dearing Perrine Impressionist Oil Painting, Dappled Light on the Ocean
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist oil painting of dappled light on the ocean by American artist Van Dearing Perrine (1869–1955). Perrine was born in Kansas and moved to New York in the early 1890...
Canvas, Oil
Finds and Replicas, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero captures a moment inside an antiques shop, where a man browses lamps, pictures, and replicas of Frederic Remington bronzes. The interior i...
Oil
Eastern Blue Bird, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A bluebird perches quietly amidst a field of soft, lavender-toned flowers. Its vibrant orange breast and deep blue feathers provide a striking contrast to the d...
Oil
Receding Tide, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Decisive brushwork and subtle color shifts bring magic to this winter New Jersey beach scene. Artist Onelio Marrero contrasts the expanse of climbing clouds wit...
Oil
Monet's Garden II
Located in Atlanta, GA
Claude Monet's painting of his lily pond at Giverny is transformed into this beautiful dramatic jacquard tapestry woven in Belgium. Monet painted many scenes from his home at Givern...
Tapestry
The Boats of San Sebastian, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The boats sit ready for their next journey in the marina of San Sebastián, Spain. Calm waters and a sense of anticipation shape the coastal scene, evoking the ...
Oil
$499
Monet's Garden I
Located in Atlanta, GA
Only 1 Available in this size. Claude Monet's painting of his lily pond at Giverny is transformed into this beautiful dramatic jacquard tapestry woven in Belgium. Monet painted many ...
Tapestry
$480Sale Price|20% Off
'European Street Scene', by an Unknown Artist, Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 25.5" x 29.5" oil on canvas painting is by an unknown artist; the signature in the bottom right corner reads as 'Pilou' which is a common European surname. The painting depicts ...
Canvas, Oil
Lake Giverny Monet Inspired Tapestry
Located in Atlanta, GA
Claude Monet's painting of his lily pond at Giverny is transformed into this beautiful dramatic jacquard tapestry woven in Belgium. Monet painted many scenes from his home at Giverny...
Tapestry
Learning from Rembrandt, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting combines two of artist Onelio Marrero's interests: his love for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and his fascination with observi...
Oil
Grappling, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In 2023, artist Onelio Marrero began a series of oil sketches featuring men painting buildings high above city sidewalks. Inspired by one, this piece captures...
Oil
Flags Along the Avenue, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero captures a Midtown Manhattan scene in low winter afternoon light. The flags' vibrant red and blue attract attention, contrasting with the ...
Oil
Bistro on South Street, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman sits outside a Philadelphia bistro, reading her book. The bright morning light shines through the establishment's windows, revealing a glimpse of its i...
Oil
A Window to Italy, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Flowers bloom vibrantly beneath the windows as the Mediterranean sun highlights the character of the quaint stone walls and shutters. The composition captures...
Oil
The Path at Glendalough Monastery, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting portrays one of the paths at the Glendalough Monastery in Ireland. The concealed monastery hosts numerous ruins of chapels and burial sites, wit...
Oil
Once Upon a Time, Original Painting
By Nava Lundy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting captures one of those fleeting moments that somehow stay with us long after it has passed. A child is fully absorbed in imagination, creating an e...
Acrylic
Aperture, Oil Painting
By David Thelen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"This artwork is inspired by a vista I saw while on a camping trip to the Allegany Mountains," says artist David Thelen. The verdant trees bask in the sun's w...
Oil
Beachcombers, Oil Painting
By Aruna Rao
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A mother watches as her child searches for small treasures in the sand as the golden afternoon light shines across the shore. She savors this timeless scene of ...
Oil
Collectibles, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In this warm impressionist painting, artist Onelio Marrero captures his love of antiques and collectibles. He depicts the eclectic clutter of an antiques store ...
Oil
Blissful Lagoon, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by the scenery of Monterey Bay in California, artist Lisa Elley captures a picturesque ocean view dotted with flowers in the foreground. California p...
Oil
Strawberry Mousse Pie, Oil Painting
By Pat Doherty
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A single wedge of strawberry mousse pie reveals a beautiful contrast of colors and textures. A dollop of whipped cream swirls into a perfect peak. Artist Pat Do...
Oil
Low Tide on the Bar, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The pastel artwork captures a tidal river at low tide on a quiet summer morning. A solitary sailboat rests on the sandbar. Low-hanging clouds glow with rosy hue...
Pastel
Olympic Jumper, American Impressionist Tapestry by LeRoy Neiman
By LeRoy Neiman
Located in Long Island City, NY
LeRoy Neiman, American (1921 - 2012) - Olympic Jumper, Year: 1989, Medium: Tapestry, signed and dated, Size: 84 x 60 in. (213.36 x 152.4 cm)
Tapestry
Skull Study, Oil Painting
By Sara Sisun
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A skull rests on a clear case. Muted gray and white background enhances the focus on the subject. Artist Sara Sisun drew inspiration from Dutch painter Vilhelm ...
Oil
Victorian Landscape Watercolour of a Venice Street Market scene style of Turner
Located in ludlow, GB
Victorian Landscape Watercolour of a Venice Street Market scene very much in the style of Turner Anyone who is a fan of Hercules Brabazon Brabazon will love this painting! Venice ...
Watercolor
Louis Emiel Chappel (1888-1963) "Floral Still Life II" Original Painting c.1950
By Louis Emiel Chappel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Louis Emiel Chappel (1888-1963) floral still life II oil painting, circa 1950s Beautiful full basket bouquet of flowers on a pedestal by listed artist Louis Chappel. Original oil o...
Canvas, Oil
Landscape. 2001. By Edgars Vinters. Oil on cardboard. 40x50 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Edgars Vinters (1919-2014) Edgars Vinters is working in oil, watercolor and monotype techniques. He paints landscapes in different seasons and flowers. In 1970 the significant place...
Oil, Cardboard
Spirit Herbal Fairies. Original oil painting on canvas 70 x 90 cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
Description about painting “Spirit Herbal Fairies” . Collection "Spirit Herbals" In this painting I focus on what gives us resource and taste for life. I invite the viewer to get to ...
Canvas, Oil
Tonal Floral, Oil Painting
By Mary Pratt
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The floral still life painting features a bouquet of magnolias arranged in a tall glass vase. Artist Mary Pratt uses layers of soft green and silvery grey impas...
Oil
Pink Peonies, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Large pink peonies bloom, their bright yellow stamens adding a vibrant contrast. Deep green leaves curl around each blossom, enhancing their lush beauty. Painte...
Acrylic
Summer Breeze, Oil Painting
By Mandy Main
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The atmospheric impressionist landscape painting emphasizes light, space, and mood over fine detail. An expansive sky occupies nearly three-quarters of the comp...
Oil
Modern Impressionist Ballet Oil Painting of Ballet Dancers in Tutus Backstage
Located in ludlow, GB
Modern Impressionist Ballet Oil Painting showing Ballet Dancers in their tutus backstage at the theatre. A Signed and Framed Oil on Canvas on stretchers, it has a choice of a modern...
Oil
Summer mood, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Oil painting by Ukrainian artist Alisa Onipchenko-Cherniakovska In this vibrant oil painting, I've channeled the essence of a sun-drenched seaside town, blending elements o...
Oil
Early Morning at the Irish National Stud Farm, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
While visiting the United Kingdom, artist Onelio Marrero explored the Irish National Stud Farm, known for breeding thoroughbred horses. The farm boasts breath...
Oil
The Doll and the Rose Still Life Oil Painting c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
The Doll and the Rose Still Life Oil Painting c.1930 Wonderful oil on canvas by a talented artist. The painting is signed in the lower r...
Canvas, Oil
Bouquet, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Carey Parks presents an impressionist still life of dainty flowers on a glass cylinder. Taking a small bunch from a large bo...
Acrylic
Spring Trees in the Grass, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Almond, cherry, and apple trees bloom across a French field in spring. Expressive strokes from a palette knife and brush bring the landscape to life with textur...
Acrylic
Old Compton St (night)-Original realism London oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Oil, Board
Ibis and Shadows, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Ibis birds wander and forage under palm fronds. Their white feathers catch the dappled sunlight, while their red beaks and legs contrast with the lush greens. I...
Oil
Quiet Horizons, Oil Painting
By Aruna Rao
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Aruna Rao captures the peaceful stillness of a sunlit dune path leading toward the open sea. Warm grasses glow in the gentle light, while a soft sky and ...
Oil
$4,368
India Oil on Board Modern 1967 Signed H Lall Impressionist Bombay Progressives
Located in Norfolk, GB
Harkrishan Lall (1921 - 2000) Untitled Oil on board, 1967 Board size: 51 x 40.5 cm Frame Size: 62.5 x 53.2 cm Signed bottom right and dated 67 In original frame Provenance: Priva...
Oil, Board
Poppies Aflutter, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Catherine McCargar illustrates alluring red flowers in a background of white. She captures the delicacy and transparency of gorgeous poppies she noticed in a local public garden. She creates a somewhat stylized arrangement of blooming stems. "It is punctuated by the addition of the buds as they dangle before bursting forth the seed capsules that remain after the petals drop," says Catherine.
About the Artist
Impressionist Catherine McCargar expresses her deep admiration of nature through landscape paintings of Northern California...
Watercolor
Ronda Afternoon, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting captures a hillside view of a castle and church in Ronda, Spain. The soft brushwork gives the scene a luminous glow, with shadows falling across...
Oil
Coastal Atmosphere, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Lazy waves move toward the shore beneath an open sky filled with subtle color and soft mist. With loose, expressive brushwork and a calming palette, the impress...
Oil
Twilight Solitude, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Twilight Solitude depicts the serene beauty of Florida's Nature Coast. The golden sunset bathes the marsh in a warm, radiant glow, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The purple clouds o...
Acrylic
Portrait Orange, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A oil Painting by Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes...
Oil
"Boats Moored at Secret Beach" 2023 impressionist plein air landscape in NY
By Ben Fenske
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil painting of boats at rest as seen from Secret Beach in Sag Harbor. "Secret Beach" is the name Ben Fenske has given to his favorite painting spot in Sag Harbor, NY. A place he ...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Emile Albert Gruppe Cape Ann Marine Oil Painting, Boats at Dock
Located in Milford, NH
A fine impressionist marine painting of boats at dock on Cape Ann by American artist Emile Albert Gruppé (1896-1978). Gruppé was born in Rochester, NY, and is renowned for his New En...
Canvas, Oil
Field and Trees, France, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The impressionist landscape painting depicts a sunlit field flanked by birch trees near Bedouin, Provence, France. White trunks tower in the foreground, while a...
Acrylic
Beckoning Sea, Oil Painting
By Aruna Rao
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Aruna Rao captures the endless rhythm of waves rolling toward the shore, reflecting the hypnotic pull of the ocean. The path through the dunes, the winds...
Oil
Endless Light, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Picture a stunning acrylic painting on a gallery-wrap textured canvas that captures a serene marsh with a breathtaking view of the open ocean. The sky is adorned with vibrant purple ...
Acrylic
A Moment in Time, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This original, impressionistic landscape painting is stretched on a 1.5" deep gallery wrap canvas. Only the finest professional quality acrylic paints were used in the creation of t...
Acrylic
Morning Fog, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This original, impressionistic landscape painting is stretched on a 1.5" deep gallery wrap canvas. Only the finest professional quality acrylic paints were used in the creation of t...
Acrylic
Michigan Avenue: Where Light Meets Rain, Oil Painting
By Yangzi Xu
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Yangzi captures a rainy evening on Chicago's Michigan Avenue. Streetlamps glow warmly against the cool reflections of the wet pavement. Figures with umbr...
Oil
Evening in Rome, Oil Painting
By Yangzi Xu
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An evening in Rome unfolds with warm lights illuminating a narrow passage near Piazza Navona. The lively atmosphere of bustling cafes and shops contrasts with...
Oil
$5,187
Victorian Nineteen Century Rural Sunset Oil Painting of Farmer, wife and Animals
By Joseph Paulman
Located in ludlow, GB
Victorian Nineteenth Century Impressionist Rural Scene with Sun setting on Farmer and his wife and other workers returning home. Farm Workers in the Countryside with their Dog and a...
Oil
Floating Dock, Gloucester, Original Painting
By Judy Mudd
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An impressionist watercolor captures a quiet moment along a calm waterway. A weathered dock with a tin roof anchors the scene, suggesting age and familiarity. I...
Watercolor
Autumn Goodies
Located in Zofingen, AG
Autumn Goodies This still life was painted from life. Soft, diffused daylight fills the space, gently interacting with transparent glass, matte surfaces, and textured fabric. The r...
Canvas, Oil
Modern Impressionist Ballet Oil Painting of Three Dancers in Tutus Backstage
Located in ludlow, GB
Modern Impressionist Ballet Scene of Three Dancers Backstage in Tutus, a Signed Oil Painting on Canvas, mounted on stretchers and framed in bespoke handmade Frame. Legrand is a well ...
Oil