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.
"Flowers and Music" French Still Life Impressionist Oil Painting Canvas Framed
By Dietz Edzard
Located in New York, NY
Capturing the romantic city of lights, Dietz Edzard's celebrated canvases depict the times of his generation, portraying life in all its glory, even amid hardship and war. Returning...
Canvas, Oil
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
"The Star on Stage" French Opera Impressionist Oil Painting on Canvas Framed
By Dietz Edzard
Located in New York, NY
Capturing the romantic city of lights, Dietz Edzard's celebrated canvases depict the times of his generation, portraying life in all its glory, even amid hardship and war. Returning...
Canvas, Oil
"Beach Day" – Impressionist Female Portrait and Landscape, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Conrado López (Málaga, 1992) began his artistic career through graffiti in Jerez de la Frontera. In 2011, his time at the José Nogué School of Art in Jaén marked a turning point, all...
Gold Leaf
British School, early 20th century, Portrait of an Officer, oil on canvas
Located in Paris, FR
British School, early 20th century Portrait of an Officer of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment c. 1915-1918 Oil on canvas Dimensions: 85 x 65 cm (H 33.46 in. x W 25.59 in) (unframed) ...
Oil
$1,543Sale Price|20% Off
Lady in White, Impressionist Portrait Study
Located in Genève, GE
An elegant and atmospheric portrait depicting a young woman standing gracefully in a flowing white gown against a dark, painterly background. Executed with delicate tonal transitions...
Oil, Wood Panel
$3,081
Portrait of Rustem Faitovich Khuzin Impressionist portrait painting Framed New
By Simon Kozhin
Located in Zofingen, AG
The artist painted this life sketch while studying at the Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture in 2000, in a single session in the Alla Prima style. In the evening...
Oil, Cardboard
Mid-20th Century French Signed Oil Portrait of a Woman
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Young Woman French artist, mid 20th century signed oil on board, frames Framed: 29 x 23 inches Board : 22 x 15 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition:...
Oil
Huge 1920's British Portrait of Young Girl in Interior Signed & Dated Oil Paint
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Micky" by John Young-Hunter (British 1874-1955) signed and dated 1920 oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 50 x 31 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good and soun...
Oil, Canvas
$1,297
Signed French Impressionist Oil Painting Portrait of a Man seated in Library
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, indistinctly signed, dated 1910 Title: Portrait of a man seated in a library room of books. Medium: signed oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas...
Oil
Woman with Pitcher oil on canvas painting
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title: Woman with Pitcher Artist: Antoni Valls Bordoy (1912–1980) Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 35 x 27 cm (13.8 x 10.6 in) Date: 1953 Signature: Signed “Valls Bordoy” in red at ...
Canvas, Oil
Antique American School Art Nouveau Elegent Woman in Landscape Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American impressionist landscape oil painting with an elegant woman. Oil on canvas. Framed. Unsigned. Measuring: 15 by 23 inches overall, and 7 by 9 painting alone. Excel...
Oil, Canvas
Portrait of a Girl, Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
By Peter Tovpev
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Peter Tovpev Work: Original oil painting, handmade artwork, one of a kind Medium: Oil on Canvas Year: 2017 Style: Post Impressionism Title: Portrait of a Girl Size: 31.5" x...
Canvas, Oil
Fine Edwardian British Society Portrait of a Distinguished Gentleman signed oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Distinguished Gentleman by John Arthur Machray Hay (Scottish, 1887-1960) signed and dated 1910 oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 30 x 24 inches provenance: private co...
Oil
$894Sale Price|20% Off
MY DEAR PRINCESS
Located in Zofingen, AG
ABOUT THE ARTWORK In “MY DEAR PRINCESS,” I delve into the realm of naive archetypal imagery, creating a sanctuary from the aggressive modern world. This piece offers an opportunity ...
Canvas, Oil
French School PS251 Beauty and the Beast Dachshund READY TO HANG Signed
Located in Zofingen, AG
PS251 Beauty and the Beast Scene: a closeup portrait with dachshund dog. The background is created with series of drippings. Technique: oil, acrylic, and ink on old book pages on ...
Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Mid 20th Century French Oil Portrait Woman Impressionist Sketch on Canvas
By Louise Alix
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Woman by Louise Alix (French, 1888-1980) *see notes below oil painting on canvas unframed measures: 20 inches high by 24 inches wide condition: overall very good and so...
Oil
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Oil Painting Romantic Pastoral Scene 19th Century French Classical Art
Located in Palm Coast, FL
Elegant antique original oil painting on canvas depicting a romantic pastoral scene inspired by 19th-century European traditions. The composition portrays a young couple resting in a...
Oil
Cats at play, portrait of a cat and a Kitten playing with a twig in a landscape
Located in Woodbury, CT
Gabriella Rainer-Istvanffy (Austrian, 1886–1963) Cats at Play Oil on canvas, circa 1950 26 x 30 inches (framed) signed lower right This charming composition by Gabriella Rainer-Istv...
Canvas, Oil
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) condition: overal...
Canvas, Oil
1940's Fashion Illustration - The Two Elegant Brides
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Very stylish, unique and original 1940's fashion design by French illustrator Geneviève Thomas. The painting, executed in gouache and pencil. The sketch is original, vintage and me...
Gouache
$50,000
"Clara with Charles" Impressionistic Oil Painting Of Mother and Child
Located in New York, NY
This piece is a pertinent example of Martha Walter's most precious oil portraitures. Her use of the pallet is effortless with bold brushwork, strong executions, and soft details. Wal...
Canvas, Oil, Board
Autumn Landscape, Oil on Canvas, Signed, 20 x 30 cm, Serene Scene
By Simon Kozhin
Located in Zofingen, AG
A serene autumn landscape unfolds in this evocative painting. The artist captures a fleeting moment of seasonal transition en plein air in a single session in Moscow in 2003 . Soft b...
Oil, Cardboard
Antique Italian Oil Painting Peasant Woman Portrait 19th C. Signed Genre Art
Located in Palm Coast, FL
Beautiful antique oil on canvas painting depicting a young peasant woman standing beside old stone steps while balancing a clay vessel upon her head. Executed in the romantic Europea...
Oil
Antique European Impressionist Elegant Young Woman Portrait Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique European impressionist portrait oil painting . Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 26 by 32 inches overall, and 21.5 by 26.5 painting alone. Handsomely framed in a gi...
Oil, Canvas
Portrait of African Woman Tanzania - Signed Oil Painting circa 1970's
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: The work is signed and dates to the 1970's period. Title: Portrait of an Africa Woman, believed to be from Tanzania (according to previous owner). Medium: oil paint...
Oil
Antique English Seaside Elegant Mediterranean Coastal Landscape Figural Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique English landscape oil painting attributed to Henry Turner Munns (1832 - 1898). Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 35 by 44 inches overall, and 29 by 38 painting alone....
Oil, Canvas
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
Dorothy with her Coton de Tulear (Dog Portrait) 1940 Young Woman oil painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Harry Finney (fl.1875-1945) Portrait of Dorothy with her Coton de Tulear, 1940. Oil on canvas, 25 x 31 inches. Signed, dated and dedicated lower left. We have an antique frame (n...
Oil
$1,087
English Impressionist Portrait of Young Child Signed 20th Century Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait by Helen Greenfield (British 20th century) signed initials oil painting on board, framed framed: 14 x 12.75 inches board: 13 x 12 inches condition: overall very good provena...
Oil
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Oil Painting Genre Scene Man With Pipe Child Interior Gilt Frame
Located in Palm Coast, FL
An evocative antique oil on canvas depicting an intimate interior genre scene of an elderly man seated with a young child at his side. The elder figure, absorbed in quiet reflection ...
Oil
American Impressionist Young Black Man Nicely Framed Oil Painting Portrait
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American oil painting portrait. Oil on board. Framed. Measuring: 22 by 28 inches overall, and 16 by 24 painting alone. Unsigned. Excellent condition, ready to hang and enjoy.
Oil
“A Lady in Black, 1894” French Impressionist Portrait Pastel on Canvas Signed
Located in Yardley, PA
“A Lady in Black, 1894” by Paul-Marie Lapierre Renouard (1854-1940) This exceptional pastel portrait of an elegant woman in black is among the artist’s finest works. A close examina...
Canvas, Pastel
Stunning Art Deco Young Woman Portrait Framed Signed Rare Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Exquisite antique portrait painting of a young fashionable woman. Framed. Oil on canvas. Signed. Image size, 31H by 24L.
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a woman in red dress
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Johan Gottfried (19th Century) "Portrait of a Woman in a Red Dress" (1820) This elegant early 19th-century miniature portrait by Johan Gottfried captures a noblewoman in a striking ...
Watercolor, Gouache
$740Sale Price|43% Off
Woman Praying, Impressionist Oil on Canvas Painting, Framed, 1950s
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Frame size 70x61 cm. José Muntané Balaguer (1889 - 1963) Immerse yourself in the spiritual beauty of "Woman Praying," a sublime work by the acclaimed Spanish artist José Muntané Balaguer. This oil on canvas captures the serenity and introspection of faith, showcasing a masterful use of light and shadow reminiscent of great masters such as Joaquín Sorolla, Ignacio Zuloaga, and even the emotional restraint of Diego Velázquez in his most intimate portraits. The painting depicts the purity of a devotional moment, where the female figure seems to transcend the canvas, inviting the viewer to reflect on spirituality and human connection. The meticulous attention to detail and subtlety in expressions place Muntané Balaguer in the tradition of artists who immortalized scenes of everyday life with unique sensitivity, much like Julio Romero de Torres...
Oil, Canvas
$1,020Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Impressionist Italian Woman Grape Farmer Portrait Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American impressionist portrait oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Measuring 15 by 19 inches overall and 10.5 by 15 painting alone.
Canvas, Oil
Rosella, Romantic Portrait circa 1900 by Francesco Paolo Michetti
By Francesco Paolo Michetti
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Francesco Paolo Michetti, Italian (1851 - 1929) Title: Rosella Year: circa 1900 Medium: Oil on Canvas, Signed Size: 30 x 20 inches [76.2 x 50.8 cm] Framed: 40 x 30 inches [10...
Canvas, Oil
"Somewhere in Denver" - Impressionist Nude Female Portrait, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Suchitra Bhosle's "Somewhere in Denver" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a dark haired woman, brushing her hair, wearing a translucent white shift around her as she...
Oil, Board
"Watcher" (2024) Original Oil Portrait Painting by Michael Carson
Located in Denver, CO
Michael Carson's (US based) "Watcher" (2024) is an original, handmade oil painting. This beautiful, handcrafted oil painting rests at 30 x 22", a...
Oil, Wood Panel
1940's French Impressionist Oil Portrait of Young Blonde Haired Lady
By Louise Alix
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Blonde Lady by Louise Alix (French, 1888-1980) *see notes below provenance stamp to the back oil painting on board, unframed measures: 18 high by 15 inches wide condit...
Oil
Artist's Family Portrait - British American Impressionist art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This stunning British American Impressionist portrait oil on canvas painting is by Sir James Jebusa Shannon circa 1905. The painting is of the artist and his wife Florence and daught...
Oil
Antique French Impressionist Signed Oil Painting Portrait of Young Man
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Young Man French School, late 19th century indistinctly signed top right, 'Valadon'? oil on canvas, framed framed: 30 x 28 inches canvas: 26 x 21 inches private collect...
Oil, Canvas
Antique English Classical Portrait with Parrot Framed Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique English portrait oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 31 by 36 inches overall, and 25.5 by 30.5 painting alone. In excellent original condition. Handsomel...
Oil, Board
Large Antique American Impressionist Nicely Framed Picnic Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American impressionist landscape oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Measuring 20 by 27 inches painting alone. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a gold g...
Oil, Board
$620Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Signed Spanish Flamenco Dancer Framed Elegant Portrait Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted Flamenco dancer portrait. Framed. Oil on board. Signed. Image size, 20H by 16L.
Canvas, Oil
$866Sale Price|20% Off
French School 19th Century, Portrait of a young man, 1891, signed and dated
Located in Paris, FR
French School of the 19th century Portrait of a young man, 1891 Signed (illegible) and dated 91 on the lower right Oil on canvas 46 x 38 cm Framed 52 x 44 In good condition, recently...
Oil
"Italian Chair" (2024) Original Oil Portrait Painting by Michael Carson
Located in Denver, CO
Michael Carson's (US based) "Italian Chair" (2024) is an original, handmade oil painting and is framed in a black float frame. About the Artist: Mike Carson is a Minneapolis painte...
Oil, Wood Panel
$11,113Sale Price|35% Off
" Mother " Child, Mother, Mother's Day oil cm 67 x 100
By Gleb Savinov
Located in Torino, IT
Child,Baby,Maternity,child,Mother,Green,Window,spring,russian art GLEB SAVINOV (Charkev, 1915 – St. Petersburg, 2000) Works by Gleb Savinov can be found in various private collect...
Oil, Canvas
$900Sale Price|25% Off
Self-portrait (portrait of man)
By Wesley Lea
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Wesley Lea (1914-1981). Self-portrait, ca. 1940. Oil on canvas, 12 x 17 inches. Signed lower left center "WESLEA" as was his practice in 1930s-40's. Unframed.
Oil
Woman sewing seen from behind in a Danish Interior
Located in BELEYMAS, FR
Edward OLUND-HANSEN (Copenhagen, 1887 – Copenhagen, 1979) Woman Sewing, Seen from Behind, in a Danish Interior Oil on canvas H. 59 cm; W. 59 cm Signed with a monogram in the lower le...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of A Young Woman In A Hat
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Portrait of A Young Woman In A Hat From the artist estate, unsigned oil on canvas board, painting size 13x9in. Dewitt McClellan Lockman, N.A. (July 30, 1870-July 1, 1957). A native ...
Board, Canvas, Oil
1930's French Portrait of Lady Impressionist Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
French Impressionist artist, circa 1930 oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 22 x 18 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good and sound condition
Oil, Canvas
Blue Venice, Impressionist Portrait Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2019
Located in Edinburgh, GB
On the canvas — a quiet, almost heavenly apparition. A face is born of light strokes, like a memory emerging from the clouds. Blue and white paints swirl above the head, turning into...
Canvas, Oil
$1,853
1930's French Oil Painting Portrait of Lady with Playing Cards Beautiful Work
By Louise Alix
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Playing Cards by Louise Alix (French, 1888-1980) *see notes below oil painting on canvas unframed measures: 30.5 inches high by 22.5 inches wide condition: overall very good and ...
Oil
1930's Original Parisian Fashion Design Illustration Watercolor Elegant Lady
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Very stylish, unique and original 1930's French fashion design, no doubt of Parisian origin. The painting, executed in gouache/ watercolor and pencil, is dated to the upper corner...
Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
A Valencian Peasant, Cabanal, Spain, Old Spaniard, El Cabanyal
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
Mathias Alten (German/American, 1871-1938) Signed: M. Alten (Upper, Left) " A Valencian Peasant ", 1922 Oil on Canvas 42" x 32" Housed in a 3" Newcomb Macklin Frame Overall Si...
Canvas, Oil
$729Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Expressionist Female Portrait with Red Hat, Oil on Panel European Art
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Spanish Expressionist Female Portrait with Red Hat, Oil on Panel Artist: Joaquim Hidalgo Pagès (1928–2011) Medium: Oil on panel Dimensions: 18.11 x 14.96 in (46 x 38 cm) Framed dime...
Oil
$813
1930's French Portrait of a Lady Sketchy Atmospheric Working Study on Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Jean La Forgue (French 1901-1975) circa 1930's oil on unstretched canvas, unframed painting: 22.5 x 19 inches provenance: the artists estate, France condition: the painting is on uns...
Oil
Portrait of a Pekingese Dog Charming Antique English Watercolour Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Pekingese Dog English artist, late 19th century Watercolour drawing on board, unframed drawing: 7.25 x 5 inches Provenance: Private collection, UK Condition: This paint...
Watercolor
$850
Hours of Idleness – Normandy, Portrait of a Woman, 1894, Signed Pastel
Located in Stockholm, Stockholm
Hours of Idleness – Normandy, 1894. This intimate pastel portrait depicts a woman seated quietly on a wooden chair beside a small table supporting a potted flowering plant, positione...
Pastel, Paper
$1,600
"Father Of The Nation" George Washington Impressionistic Oil Painting on Canvas
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
This painting depicts an impressionistic portrait of George Washington. The thick brush strokes and fun marks create an atmosphere reminiscent of the impressionists from the 20th Cen...
Canvas, Oil