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.
Large Victorian Signed Oil Harvest Wheat Sheaves Rural Scene & Figures framed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"The Corn Field" by Alfred Bennet (British, 1861-1916) This beautifully executed oil on canvas painting titled "The Corn Field", signed and dated 1886 by British artist Alfred Benne...
Oil
"Idaho Road" - Original Oil Landscape Painting on Paper and Cradled Board
Located in Denver, CO
About the Artist: Samantha Buller currently lives in Sonoma County after painting and teaching in Kansas for the past two years. She received her BFA in Painting from the Academy of ...
Oil, Paper, Board
Impressionist Painter Anders Ståhls Painting Twilight in Grez-sur-Loing
Located in Stockholm, SE
Anders Ståhl (b. 1966) This evocative painting captures a secluded passage in the village of Grez-sur-Loing, the storied artists’ enclave just outside Paris that has drawn generation...
Oil, Board
Different. Kindred.
Located in Zofingen, AG
A large contemporary figurative painting featuring three female figures set against a deep dark background. Their silhouettes are rendered with airy, luminous brushstrokes, as if for...
Canvas, Acrylic
In grandma's garden.
Located in Zofingen, AG
A green garden, a light summer dress, a sun hat - all these are childhood memories. My memories, but for some it’s just the beginning. Childhood and adolescence are full of impressio...
Canvas, Acrylic, Lacquer
$482Sale Price|79% Off
French school Landscape Rouen on the banks of the Seine Signed oil painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
➡️ Landscape River scene⬅️ ⏩It is signed Bernard Héranval⏪ Rouen on the banks of the Seine ⭐Medium:⭐ Oil on canvas ⭐Technique: ⭐Impasto painting with expressive brushwork. ⭐Size...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$2,354
Albufera of Valencia Spain mediterranean seascape oil on canvas painting
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Ricardo Cejudo Nogales (Puertollano, 1952) Title: La Albufera de Valencia Year: 1986 Technique: Oil on canvas Canvas dimensions: 65 × 81 cm (25.6 × 31.9 in) Framed dimensions...
Oil
French Impressionist Oil on Canvas, 19th Century, of a French Market
Located in Cotignac, FR
French Impressionist oil on canvas painting of a Provencale market, late 19th century, by Joseph Faust. The painting is signed bottom left and is presented in a very fine carved and ...
Canvas, Oil
"In the morning."
Located in Zofingen, AG
The picture was painted under the impression of vacation. It's just a dream when you wake up in the morning in a small provincial town. The house is filled with the smell of coffee a...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,980
Passing Clouds, Before The Storm: A Dramatic Belle Époque Landscape
By Paul Leon Felix Schmitt
Located in Norwich, GB
This striking oil landscape is dominated by a vast, cinematic sky, rendered with the rapid, "plein air" brushwork that defined the late 19th-century French school. Rather than a stat...
Oil, Board
"Gold in the Hills" - Autumn Forest and Mountain Landscape, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Seth Winegar's "Gold in the Hills" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts colorful aspen trees turning color in the fall. Seth Winegar is an oil painter from Utah whose...
Oil
"Mediterranean Coastal Vista" Impressionist Oil Painting on Canvas Framed
Located in New York, NY
A stunning oil painting depicting the Mediterranean coastal vista, rendered in a lively, impasto style that emphasizes thick, textured brushstrokes and bold color contrasts. Tania Fo...
Canvas, Oil
Water Lilies, Prague Impressionist Summer Landscape
Located in Beachwood, OH
Václav Radimský (Czech, 1867-1946) Water Lilies, c. 1910 Oil on board Signed lower left 28 x 39 inches Václav Jan Emanuel Radimský was a Czech impressionist painter who resided in F...
Oil
Farmer Returning at Dusk (Hjemad), c. 1915
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alfred Victor Jensen was a Danish painter active in the early twentieth century, recognized for his landscapes, coastal scenes and even portraits of the Danish royal family. Born in ...
Canvas, Oil
Roses √1
Located in Zofingen, AG
Women and flowers are an inexhaustible theme. Complete harmony and peace reign here. Flowers attract and inspire. Roses reign supreme; they are beautiful. The painting will be sent r...
Canvas, Acrylic
$19,000
"You Know Cowboys and Angels" (2025) Animal Still-Life, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Artist Statement (You Know Cowboys and Angels) Do You Know Cowboys and Angels was shown in the solo museum exhibition Almost True Tales at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, alongside a pu...
Cotton, Oil
"River Town New Hope PA, Bucks County" Impressionist Pastoral Scene Oil Painting
Located in New York, NY
A charming Impressionist summer pastoral scene depicting the New Hope town near the lake in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This piece is executed in an intimate yet energetic manner. Ch...
Board, Oil
Polka Dot Dress Female Silhouette Fashion Figurative
Located in Zofingen, AG
Artwork Details Title: Polka Dot Dress Female Silhouette Fashion Figurative Medium: Acrylic painting on matte paper Type: Original painting Style: Contemporary Figurative Art Year: ...
Acrylic
"After the Summer Rain"
Located in Zofingen, AG
What could be more beautiful than rain after the summer heat? Nature seemed to be waiting for this refreshment. I want to run on the wet grass, like in my youth. Serenity, this is e...
Canvas, Acrylic
Summer Impressionist Landscape w/ Trees
Located in Beachwood, OH
Glen Tracy (American, 1883-1956) Summer Landscape, c. 1920 Oil on board Signed lower right, titled verso 12 x 9 inches 17.25 x 14.5 inches, framed Since he studied and taught commer...
Oil
$2,943
"The Naked Soil", Sweeping Ochre Farmland Impressionist Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
A deep ochre warmth spreads across this generously scaled oil on canvas, measuring H 31.9 in x W 39.4 in x D 0.8 in, pulling the eye across an undulating rural landscape that breathe...
Canvas, Oil
"Rosebud" - Original Gouache Painting on Paper
By Judd Mercer
Located in Denver, CO
“Rosebud” is a plein air painting by Judd Mercer, created on location at the Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado, USA. The piece highlights blooming roses and surrounding gard...
Paper, Gouache
$6,950
American Impressionist landscape Coastal waves hitting Rocks, Cape Cod
By Arrah Lee Gaul
Located in Woodbury, CT
Arrah Lee Gaul (American, 1881–1973) Coastal Cliffs and Breaking Surf Circa 1950 Oil on canvas Signed lower right In a Newcomb-Macklin frame A luminous and confidently handled coas...
Canvas, Oil
"Deck the Halls" - Original Acrylic Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Artist Statement: These are my favorite halls decked in snow for the holidays! About the Artist: As an artist, Tracy Wall sheds new light on everyday life, inviting the viewer to se...
Oil, Canvas
"Twilight Over a Mountain Lake" (2025) Landscape Impressionist Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Devin Michael Roberts' (US based) "Twilight Over a Mountain Lake" is a beautiful original oil painting on panel, depicting a deep and saturated red sunset, close to dusk. Artist bio...
Oil, Panel
"Glad and Rhododendron" Irving Ramsey Wiles, American Impressionist Portrait
Located in New York, NY
Irving Ramsey Wiles Glad and Rhododendron, circa 1927 Inscribed indistinctly with title (on the turnover) Oil on canvas 46 x 40 inches Provenance The artist Estate of the artist Hir...
Canvas, Oil
"Ballerines à Paris" Colorful Impressionist Interior Scene Oil Painting Framed
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional impressionistic depiction of Ballerinas in an interior scene by Jules René Hervé. Hervé is known as a painter of the scenes of Parisian life. This piece is a pertinent...
Oil, Board
"Scattered" - Original Gouache Landscape Painting on Paper
By Judd Mercer
Located in Denver, CO
“Scattered” is a woodland landscape study by Judd Mercer. The painting captures a grove of aspen and birch trees with warm seasonal light filtering through the foliage. This piece wa...
Paper, Gouache
Antique Landscape Oil Painting with Women, French Impressionist Figurative Art
Located in AIGNAN, FR
A truly delightful antique turn of the century oil painting on stretched canvas in a brown and gilt frame. Two women sit on the shaded side of a muddy track, perhaps they are waitin...
Oil
"Grand Central New York" Impressionist Street Scene Oil Painting on Board Framed
Located in New York, NY
A charming Impressionist scene depicting Grand Central Station in New York City. This piece is executed in an intimate yet energetic manner. Christopher is known for capturing the be...
Oil, Board
Evening Mood, View Over Graneberg, Oil on Canvas, Signed, 1924
Located in Stockholm, SE
In Evening Mood, View Over Graneberg (original Swedish title Aftonstämning, Graneberg, Uppland), painted in 1924, Olof Thunman presents an afternoon scene in the countryside outside ...
Canvas, Oil
"Shoreline Shade" - Original Gouache Landscape Painting on Paper
By Judd Mercer
Located in Denver, CO
“Shoreline Shade” is a plein air painting by Judd Mercer, created on location in Long Beach, California, USA. The piece captures a sunlit shoreline with tree shadows cast across the ...
Paper, Gouache
$14,500
'The Artist's Daughters' Jump Rope, PAFA, Saturday Evening Post
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right 'F. Sands Brunner' for Frederick Sands Brunner (American, 1886 - 1954) and painted circa 1930. A painting showing the artist's two daughters, Sibyl and Janet, fa...
Canvas, Masonite, Oil
Scandinavian Impressionist Landscape (1894)
Located in Stockholm, SE
This oil on canvas by Anton Genberg, signed and dated 1894, portrays a Scandinavian summer landscape bathed in gentle light. The composition features lush green meadows in the foregr...
Canvas, Oil
$669
Held Steady - original impressionism figurative 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
The Tow path: figures by the Seine River, luminous sky, French Impressionist oil
Located in Norwich, GB
Like many of the great French Impressionists Emile Cagniart (1851-1911) was inspired by the River Seine and its surrounding landscapes between in Ile de France and Normandy. Interest...
Canvas, Oil
"Snow in NYC" Impressionist Oil Painting in Style of Guy Wiggins Framed
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
A charming depiction of Snow in New York City on Fifth Avenue with figures walking a dog. A cozy impressionistic street scene with colors of cobalts, light pink, whites, cadmium red ...
Oil, Canvas
"Quiet by the Stream" Dennis Sheehan, Sunset Reflections in Water, Skyscape
Located in New York, NY
Dennis Sheehan Quiet by the Stream, circa 2025 Signed lower right Oil on canvas 30 x 40 inches Dennis Sheehan was born in Boston in 1950. His work is based upon the Barbizon School...
Canvas, Oil
Bathers, Oil on Canvas, 1914
Located in Saint Amans des cots, FR
Oil on canvas by Roger GRILLON (1881-1938), France, 1914. "Bathers". With frame: 114x94 cm - 44.9x37 inches ; without frame: 92x73cm - 36.2x28.75 inches. 30F format. Signed lower lef...
Canvas, Oil
"Rising Moon on the Marsh" Dennis Sheehan, Bright Moon, Evening Marsh Landscape
Located in New York, NY
Dennis Sheehan Rising Moon on the Marsh, circa 2025 Signed lower left Oil on canvas 14 x 23 inches Dennis Sheehan was born in Boston in 1950. His work is based upon the Barbizon Sc...
Canvas, Oil
$1,400
"St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth" Impressionist Oil Painting Snow New York City
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
A charming depiction of St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th Avenue in the snow with figures and cars. This evocative urban winter scene captures the majestic spires of St. Patrick's Cathe...
Oil, Board
Dans le miroir - Impressionist Figure in Interior Oil by Leon De Smet
By Léon De Smet
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Stunning signed and dated impressionist oil on canvas figure in interior by Belgian painter Leon De Smet. The work depicts a woman in an incredibly ornate room with her back to the a...
Canvas, Oil
1900's French Impressionist Watercolor Portrait Lady Overlooking Balcony Garden
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Garden View French School, early 20th century signed with initials lower corner watercolour painting on artist paper, framed Glass covering framed: 13 x 10.5 inches board: 10 x 8...
Watercolor
$700
"Walking By The Plaza at Twilight -NYC-" Impressionist Street Scene Oil Painting
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
A charming depiction of The Plaza Hotel in New York City with figures walking down the street, with a horse and carriage scene in the distance. A cozy impressionistic street scene wi...
Oil, Board
$1,556
Large Classic Marine Signed Oil Painting Sailing Ship on Choppy Seas Gilt Framed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Sailing Ship at Sea Signed C.S .Vokes dated 83 signed oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 24 x 34 inches canvas: 20 x 30 inches condition: very good provenance: private collection...
Oil
Joyce Roybal Original Painting on Canvas Musicians Signed & Framed Artwork
By Jose Roybal
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This charming original painting on canvas by Joyce Roybal features a whimsical group of musicians joyfully playing instruments in Roybal’s signature naïve style. With bold colors, pl...
Oil
Nude Lora Figurative Impressionism Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Vadim Zang Title: Lora Medium: Oil on Linen Year: 2014 Style: Figurative Impressionism Dimensions: 14" x 11" x 0.8" inch (36 x 28 x 2c...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Antique Moonlit Impressionist Nocturnal Seascape Framed Coastal Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage impressionist moonlit seascape oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 20 by 24 inches overall. Handsomely framed in a ...
Oil, Canvas
Winter Scene, Chrudim, Czech Republic Impressionist Landscape
Located in Beachwood, OH
Václav Radimský (Czech, 1867-1946) Winter Scene, Chrudim, 1920 Oil on board Signed lower left 23.5 x 36.25 inches Václav Jan Emanuel Radimský was a Czech impressionist painter who r...
Oil
Figures At The Summer's Day French Parasol Market Landscape Oil Painting
By Fanch Lel
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Summers Market Signed by Fanch Lel Size: 13 x 16 inches (height x width) Oil painting on board , unframed Condition: Good condition overall with minor surface handling marks and ligh...
Oil
"Park Scene" Parisian Impressionistic Oil Painting of Figures by the Riverside
By Francesco Tammaro
Located in New York, NY
Francesco Tammaro was born in Naples in 1939 where he attended the Instituto D'Arte di Napoli, one of the most reputed Fine Art schools in Italy. Shortly after graduation he traveled...
Oil, Wood Panel
The Potential of Beauty. Contemporary Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Oil on canvas Framed Image 39.5" x 39.5" Signed
Oil
Coastal Scene from the Swedish West Coast (1923)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Anton Genberg’s coastal painting captures a tranquil harbor scene along Sweden’s west coast. In this 1923 oil painting, a cluster of weathered boathouses stands by the water’s edge, ...
Canvas, Oil
"Sunset on the Marsh" Dennis Sheehan, Dusk, Sunset Reflections, Natural Beauty
Located in New York, NY
Dennis Sheehan Sunset on the Marsh, Summer, circa 2025 Signed lower left Oil on canvas 20 x 30 inches Dennis Sheehan was born in Boston in 1950. His work is based upon the Barbizon...
Canvas, Oil
"Mr. Hitchcock" (2025) Expressionist Animal Portrait, Original Oil Painting
By Elsa Sroka
Located in Denver, CO
Elsa Sroka is a popular contemporary artist based in Colorado, celebrated for her wonderfully creative and evocative paintings. Her work blends elements of realism and abstraction, r...
Oil, Board
Fine Edwardian Portrait of a Lady 1900's British Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Lady British School, early 1900's Circle of Samuel Luke Fildes (1843-1927) British. Bust Portrait of a Lady, Oil on canvas, 24" x 20" (61 x 50.8cm) plus gilt swept f...
Canvas, Oil
Mid-20th Century Autumnal Parisian Street Scene with Flower Stalls Signed Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Autumn Parisian Street Scene signed oil on canvas, framed Framed: 13.5 x 15.75 inches Canvas: 9 x 11 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: very good condition Descr...
Oil
The Tulip Poplar on Salem Pike, Impressionist Tree Landscape
Located in Beachwood, OH
Glen Tracy (American, 1883-1956) The Tulip Poplar on Salem Pike , 1920 Oil on board Signed lower left, dated and titled verso 12 x 9 inches 17.25 x 14.5 inches framed Since he studi...
Oil
"Momentary Reflections" Original Rural Western Winter Landscape, Oil Painting
By Dan Young
Located in Denver, CO
"Momentary Reflections" by Dan Young is an original oil painting depicting a rural snow scene. This painting is framed at 13 inches by 15 inches, and is ready to hang. Dan Young wa...
Linen, Oil
"Point Pleasant" Bucks County New Hope PA River Snow Scene Oil Painting Framed
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful Impressionist winter pastoral scene of colorful quaint homes by the river. Willet has portrayed this piece in a most intimate, yet energetic way, and has packed much feel...
Oil, Board, Canvas