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.
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
Tranquil River. Contemporary English Landscape Oil Painting
By Penny Rumble
Located in Brecon, Powys
Penny has used different techniques to capture the essence of sparkling light on water. The tide is slowly seeping in and the river swells pushing up the banks. But the air is so sti...
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
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
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
Village in Provence, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The painting captures a quintessential scene from Provence, where artist Karen d'Angeac Mihm grew up. White-washed houses with red-tiled roofs nestle among lu...
Oil
Calm Coastal Blues, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bright wildflowers bloom in the foreground while the waves crash against the cliffs in the distance. The sky, painted in soft blues and whites, merges seamles...
Oil
Enthroned, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A majestic pronghorn antelope buck sits at the heart of a darkening prairie. The rich, warm tones and subtle background details emphasize the animal’s disti...
Oil
Middle Way, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A road cuts through a lush orchard, leading to a vast green field in the distance. Artist Janet Dyer discovered this tranquil place while driving in the Frenc...
Acrylic
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
Portrait pinks, 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 with Blue, 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
Glowing Sunset, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original hand-painted painting. A dream sunset with vibrant colors. An original painting that expresses a fantasy seascape and colorful sunset. * The artwork is signed on the ...
Oil
Medieval Toledo, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original oil painting of Toledo with "Puerta del Sol". Toledo is one of the most historic cities in Spain. "Puerta del Sol" is a city gate of Toledo, built in the late 14th century. ...
Oil
Where the Fire Is Safe, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Snowstorms in New Jersey inspired artist Onelio Marrero to paint this winter landscape and convey a scene of solitude. A man stands on a nearly frozen river as ...
Oil
Vase of Roses, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original hand-painted painting. Artwork inspired by impressionist style * The artwork is signed on the front and includes a Certificate of Authenticity. * The painting is done o...
Oil
Field Serenity, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original hand-painted painting. Artwork inspired by impressionist style that expresses with subtle colors that evokes a sense of tranquility and an appreciation for the beauty of ...
Acrylic
Morning Water Lily Pond, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Artwork inspired by impressionist style that expresses with subtle colors that evokes a sense of tranquility and an appreciation for the beauty of nature. It was painted in multiple...
Acrylic
Morning Silence in the City, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original oil painting that expresses an intimate moment. This piece evokes serenity, warmth, and the poetry of everyday moments using textured brushstrokes and delicate palette. ...
Oil
Lily Pond Dreamscape, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original hand-painted painting. Artwork inspired by impressionist style that expresses with subtle colors that evokes a sense of tranquility and an appreciation for the beauty of ...
Acrylic
The Chess Players, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An intense chess match unfolds in a sun-drenched courtyard. The late afternoon sun casts intricate patterns across the players' fingers and clothing, as well as...
Acrylic
Post Office, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
People savor the warm sunshine while walking or dining out at the street mall. Revelers crowd around the pub patio. The Post Office heritage building stands on ...
Watercolor
Le Bistrot Vivienne, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The artwork captures the essence of a quaint Parisian café. Artist James Nyika's use of color and light brings the scene to life, creating a sense of warmth ...
Watercolor
$1,314
The Parsons Crossing - original cityscape impressionism contemporary artwork
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
Foxy, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A red fox curls up on the snow, its fiery coat glowing against the icy background. Bold strokes capture the texture of its thick fur. The painting radiates both...
Oil
Pimlico Cafe - original cityscape impressionism - 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...
Board, Oil
Skull Study, Oil Painting
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
Potomac Highlands WV Barn in Autumn, Oil Painting
By Doug Cosbie
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This artwork captures the hot, dry atmosphere of the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia. Rustic barns and copper-colored fields stand beneath a cloudless, viv...
Oil
Blush of Spring, Oil Painting
By Yangzi Xu
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A field of tulips bursts into bloom along Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue. The softened architecture glows under a pastel-hued sky, while rich strokes of pin...
Oil
Up 23rd Street, Church Hill, Richmond, VA, Original Paintinga
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Cobblestone streets climb toward an old elementary school in historic Church Hill, Richmond, Virginia. The bright sky contrasts with the warm brick architecture...
Acrylic
Modern Impressionist Large Bright Floral Oil Painting of Water Lilies in Pond
Located in ludlow, GB
Modern Impressionist Large Floral Oil Painting of Water Lilies in a Lily Pond, a large bright Oil on Canvas with a nod to Monet's Water Lilies at Giverny. This is a large Oil Paint...
Oil
Paul Laurtiz Winter Landscape
By Paul Lauritz
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul Lauritz (Norway / California, 1889-1975) winter landscape circa 1950s Fine original oil painting by listed California artist Paul Lauritz. Canvas dimensions 40" x 30". The fra...
Canvas, Oil
With the Crocus Comes the Spring, Original Painting
By Jay Jensen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A crocus plant blooms in brown soil, its vibrant purple petals contrasting against the earth. Artist Jay Jensen shares that seeing these fragile flowers stirs h...
Watercolor
Purple Iris #1, Original Painting
By Jay Jensen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A purple iris blooms against a blue and gray background. Its delicate petals unfold, revealing soft-veined patterns and a yellow patch. Artist Jay Jensen reflec...
Watercolor
White Iris, Original Painting
By Jay Jensen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A white iris blooms against a gray and blue background. Its petals glow with purity, while subtle shadows echo the tones of the surrounding light. For artist Ja...
Watercolor
Whispers of Birch Elegance, Oil Painting
By Lisa Elley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Birch trees stand tall with thick texture, their trunks marked by expressive strokes. Flowers bloom densely in the foreground while a reflective pond winds in...
Oil
Secret Beach, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A tiny beach on Maui offers just enough space for a few painters or beachgoers to settle in. The breeze gently sweeps the tree and pushes the waves between the ...
Oil
San Sebastian Beach, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The beach in San Sebastian, Spain, is a chaotic paradise. People fill the sand and water, walking around to show off their stylish beachwear, and playing betwee...
Oil
Edwards Plateau Spring, Original Painting
By David Forks
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Spring blooms brightly on the Edwards Plateau, northwest of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. A meadow bursts with yellow, red, and orange flowers, while o...
Acrylic
Calming the Soul, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A soothing painting with vibrant strokes! Movement in the water is what makes us relax. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticit...
Oil
Little Halo, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Little Halo was created after I decided to add Halo (54" x 60") to my private collection. I wanted others to feel the presence and warmth of this painting. It represents those that...
Oil
Avenue to the Mountains, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The beach is often a place of reflection. We can recreate our lives by looking out over the water and hoping for the best in life. This painting is a gateway to climbing those mount...
Oil
Dreaming Coastal Dreams, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Dreaming is a big part of life, without it we can only envision the future as it comes to us. The most amazing dreams often come while walking a beach. Is it the power and vast exp...
Oil
Time to Coast, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
When life seems as though it is moving too fast for you, and you need to take a 'break'. It is time to coast that will rejuvenate you to continue your journey. Walking the beach an...
Oil
Hummingbird, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A small rendering to give a space a little happiness! The happy strokes make it flutter like a hummingbird. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certifi...
Oil
Cielo, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
As though going back in time 'Cielo' is a statement piece ready for a unique environment. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authentic...
Oil
Free Falling in My Bubble, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
When you feel the world is rushing and you are just going with it! Put a bubble around yourself and go with the motions to see where you land. White water rafting will show you the ...
Oil
A Study in Green, Oil Painting
By Mary Pratt
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A pale, winding path curves gently through a grassy expanse. Subtle textures and layered brushwork suggest motion and a soft atmospheric depth. Hues of green, b...
Oil
Floral garden. Pink Orchids with foliage
Located in Zofingen, AG
Bold pink and green colors of exotic flowers Orchids in tropical garden. - Original oil painting - 40x40 cm (15.8 x 15.8 inch) - 0.6 inch thick galley wrapped painted edges - no ...
Canvas, Oil
Water Way, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
With a view of the horizon this 'water way', shows you the way. We all need a little direction at times and the flow of water is a natural 'sign'. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: Th...
Oil
Firefly Light, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Firefly Light is nature lighting the water above the pond combined with moonlight! To immerse yourself in natural light all provided by the world that surrounds us. If being ship...
Oil
Dragonfly World, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
In a world with so much going on, the hidden world of nature is often just as active as ours. We need to remember that we are part of nature and it can be so beautiful. Will be...
Oil
Quiet, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Quiet is necessary to rejuvenate. With so many distractions in this world, this pond is for a time of quiet reflection for your day. :: Painting :: Impressionist :: This piece com...
Oil
On a Winter's Evening, Oil Painting
By Yangzi Xu
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Yangzi Xu captures the vibrant energy of downtown Chicago as dusk descends over the city. A cyclist glides effortlessly through the illuminated streets...
Oil