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.
Amarante Market, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A vibrant produce market bustles in the town of Amarante, Portugal. Along the street, a vendor engages with customers, encouraging them to take a potted plant o...
Oil
Point Wilson Lighthouse, Original Painting
By Judy Mudd
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A lighthouse stands on a grassy point, overlooking the tranquil waters of Admiralty Inlet. Its sturdy white walls and vibrant red roofs contrast with the blue...
Watercolor
Olive Tree in July, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An olive tree in Sardinia on a hot July afternoon provides the inspiration for this painting. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authent...
Oil
Beyond the Line, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A sweeping lake view shimmers beneath a bright blue sky, where radiant orange clouds glow in the early morning sun. Artist Drew Noel Marin, a native of Michigan...
Acrylic
A Warm Embrace, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
There must be a million moments in each day that are pure magic but so many of them are lost to us, and pass us by without notice. Moments when the natural world seems to be born aga...
Acrylic
Birches On The Shore, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
A distant afternoon sun breaks through the sky to light a grouping of silver Birch trees, autumn color and shoreline wild flowers that overlook a lakeside view. Painted with bold str...
Oil
Peace On The Water, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
A placid scene that emanates the feeling of peace. A late afternoon sun hovers over a distant shoreline of evergreens to cast it's early evening light on the quiet still blue water ...
Oil
Fire On Georgian Bay, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The location of Georgian Bay and surrounding area has been a highly popular and inspirational location for Canadian artists throughout multiple decades. It was a favored site of Cana...
Acrylic
Virgin Earth, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The sheer wonder of how from the mossy undergrowth of forest beds around the world, seedlings of potential giants spring forth in search of the sun. The thought that many may grow a ...
Oil
Mountain Sanctuary, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Mountains rise through the clouds, revealing the rugged beauty of a subalpine landscape. It captures a moment of quiet grandeur, where the earth and sky seem to...
Oil
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'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 reads as 'Pilou' which is a common European surname. The painting depicts a busy street scene with pe...
Canvas, Oil
Winter Brook, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Snow-covered banks frame a brook as it winds through the winter landscape. Dark, flowing water reflects the soft light of the sky. Bare trees rise along the edg...
Acrylic
The Road Home II, Oil Painting
By Mandy Main
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A vast landscape unfolds beneath a sweeping, dynamic sky. Fields of green and yellow hint at lush grass and vegetation, while intersecting pathways guide the ey...
Oil
Market Day (Provence), Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Faye Vander Veer depicts a busy market day in Aix-en-Provence. Towering sycamore trees cast cool shadows, while warm, dappled light illuminates the scene...
Oil
Woman with necklace, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A painting on canvas by Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: N...
Oil
Woman with yellow dress, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An oil painting by artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Si...
Oil
Red Dress and necklace, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A oil painting by artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: S...
Oil
Woman in a hat, Painting, Oil on Canvas
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: Y...
Oil
portrait black, Painting, Oil on Canvas
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
Sunny Day in California, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Thick, expressive brushstrokes depict a sunny day on the California coast in this impasto painting. Palm trees sway over a sandy beach, with distant mountains r...
Oil
Around the River, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
A vibrant landscape depicts a serene river flowing through a colorful countryside, with mountains providing a majestic backdrop. The scene is full of lush greenery, houses, and a cle...
Oil
Changing Times
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The Russian forests that I grew up exploring were somewhat like those in eastern Canada and the Northeast US. You can just as e...
Acrylic
Kolochava Summer, Painting, Oil on Other
Located in Yardley, PA
Brightly colored countryside with a small village nestled at the base of verdant mountains. A winding river flows through the foreground, reflecting the vibrant blend of hues from th...
Oil
Bay Fog, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Early morning fog on the water reveals a quiet world. The pink sky casts a gentle glow over the dimly lit rocks scattered across the bay. Beyond, misty outlin...
Acrylic
Pleasant Moment, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
One summer morning, artist Andres Lopez visits a quiet natural sanctuary in South Florida. Hoping to connect with nature, he stumbles upon three flamingos movin...
Oil
Woman in brown coat, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A oil painting by artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Sign...
Oil
portrait black, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
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
Yellow and Red Hat, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An 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: Y...
Oil
Woman in a Yellow Jumper, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A painting by Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: ...
Oil
Woman in a White Shirt, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A painting by Artist Ben Carrivick Mounted on thick card :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready ...
Oil
Picturesque Region, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting: Oil on Canvas Original: One-of-a-kind Artwork Size: 31.5 W x 23.6 H x 1.2 D in :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of aut...
Oil
Woman in a Long Pink Dress, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A Oil Painting by Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Sig...
Oil
Portrait with Green, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A painting by Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: ...
Oil
Portrait with Grey, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A Oil Painting by Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Sign...
Oil
Portrait with Pink, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A oil painting by Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Sign...
Oil
Yellow Jacket, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A portrait by Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: ...
Oil
Woman with Long Black Hair, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A Oil Painting by Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Sign...
Oil
Woman in Black, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
An Oil Painting By Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Sig...
Oil
portrait Black, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A Oil Painting by Artist Ben Carrivick The painting is presented in a a mount :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by...
Oil
woman pink, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A Oil Painting by Artist Ben Carrivick The painting is presented in a a mount :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by...
Oil
portrait green, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A Oil Painting by Artist Ben Carrivick The painting is presented in a a mount :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by...
Oil
Portrait Black and Yellow, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A oil Painting By Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Sign...
Oil
Portrait Pastels, 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
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
Woman in Skirt, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A painting by Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: ...
Oil
Black Dress, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A painting by artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: ...
Oil
Watercolor Impressions of Chinese Architecture 6, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Siyuan Ma depicts Shanhua Temple, located inside the ancient city of Datong in Shanxi Province–a key cultural relic under state-level protection. "S...
Watercolor
Portrait in Shirt, 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
Portrait in pink, 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
Woman in Shirt, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
A oil Painting by Artist Ben Carrivick :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Sign...
Oil
Portrait pale Green, 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: Y...
Oil
Portrait in Pink, 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
Quiet Road, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A quiet country road cuts through open fields, its pale surface catching the sunlight. Lavender fields stretch in the distance. Palette knife and brush strokes ...
Acrylic
Out to Sea, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The rugged beauty of the Oregon coast unfolds as land and sea collide in a dynamic display. A hazy summer sky drifts above, while broad, weathered rocks anchor ...
Oil
Children Along the Seashore, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero paints a group of children blissfully swimming along the beach. He often visits the seashore during the summer months, and this painting...
Oil
Water's Edge, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Soft clouds drift across the sky, setting a calm backdrop for a river that stretches into the distance. Along its banks, trees reflect gracefully in the water, ...
Oil
Feeling Rosy, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Vibrant pink roses and purple irises stand out against a teal blue background. Soft, flowing brushstrokes suggest the delicate movement of petals stirred by a g...
Oil
Portrait Blond Hair, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A oil Painting by Ben Carrivick Mounted on Card :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: ...
Oil
Portrait Pastels, 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
Flower in Vase, 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