Impressionism was a 19th-century art movement characterized by small, thin brushstrokes, emphasis on light, and ordinary subject matters.
Eugène Delacroix, a prominent 19th-century painter, was born in April 1798. He played a significant role in revolutionizing painting during this era and influenced many Impressionist artists.
Camille Pissarro, one of the impressionists, is born on the Island of St Thomas in the Danish West Indies. His father was a merchant who had moved to the Caribbean to take over the family hardware store.
Eugène Delacroix's most famous work, Liberty Leading the People, was unveiled on July 28, 1830. The painting is a symbol of the July Revolution in France and is currently housed in the Louvre.
Edouard Manet, a prominent figure in the impressionist movement, is born in Paris. His parents are wealthy, with his father being a senior civil servant and later a judge, and his mother the goddaughter of the crown prince of Sweden.
Edgar Degas, another key impressionist artist, is born in Paris. His father is wealthy, owning the De Gas bank.
Paul Cezanne, a significant figure in the impressionist movement, is born in Aix-en-Provence. His father also owns a bank.
Claude Monet, one of the renowned impressionist painters, is born in Paris, the son of a Parisian shopkeeper.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, a celebrated impressionist artist, is born in Limoges, France. The son of a tailor, Renoir did not have the advantage of family money to help his career.
Frederic Bazille, an impressionist painter, is born in Montpellier, France. He came from a wealthy family like Manet, Degas, and Cezanne.
In 1851, Jean-François Millet displayed his painting 'The Sower' at the Paris Salon, a prestigious art exhibition in France.
Vincent van Gogh, born in 1853, greatly admired Millet's work and emulated his style in his painting La Méridienne. This painting can be viewed at the Musée d'Orsay in room 71.
In 1855, Edgar Degas advocated for The Turkish Bath painting by Ingres to be exhibited at the Paris Exposition Universelle, even before Ingres made final modifications to the artwork. The painting is now part of the Louvre's collection.
In 1857, a significant innovation for the art world occurred with the introduction of paint tubes with screw-on tops in France. This innovation greatly aided the Impressionists in their artistic endeavors.
Around 1858, Claude Monet was drafted to the French army and sent to Algeria for a seven-month-long tour. After completing his service, he returned to Paris and began studying under academic painter Charles Gleyre.
In 1859, Edouard Manet submitted his painting The Absinthe Drinker to the Salon of the Academy des Beaux Arts. The painting was rejected, with only one juror voting in favor. This event marked a turning point in Manet's career as he later shocked the art world with his controversial nudes.
Around 1860, four young art students - Monet, Sisley, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Frédéric Bazille - met while studying under French academic artist Charles Gleyre. They started boarding trains to remote areas to paint outdoors and capture natural scenes.
In 1861, Edouard Manet submitted a painting titled The Spanish Singer to the Salon, which won an honourable mention. This recognition came after critical reviews of his previous works and marked a significant achievement in Manet's artistic career.
Eugène Boudin painted Beach Scene in 1862, depicting fleeting effects of sea and sky with highly colored and texturally varied methods of paint application.
In 1863, Edouard Manet submits his painting 'Dejuner sur l'Herbe' to the Salon, but it is rejected. An alternative exhibition called the Salon des Refuses is organized for rejected works, receiving a hostile reaction from the public and critics.
In 1864, Monet painted his famous artwork Le Déjeuner Sur l'Herbe as a tribute to Manet.
In 1865, Edouard Manet's painting 'Olympia', depicting a naked reclining prostitute, is surprisingly accepted at the Salon. However, the reaction from the public and critics is hostile, leading Manet to flee to Spain.
In 1866, the Salon jury rejected Claude Monet's painting 'Women in the Garden'. This rejection led Monet to propose the idea of Impressionists exhibiting together, but the plan did not materialize due to financial constraints.
In 1867, Claude Monet's painting 'Women in the Garden' is rejected by the Salon's jury. Monet considers the idea of impressionists exhibiting together, but it does not materialize due to financial constraints.
The death of Frédéric Bazille, a fellow artist and friend of the Impressionists, was a tragic event that deeply affected the art community. Bazille's promising career was cut short by his untimely death.
Monet's painting La Grenouillère from 1869 showcases his loose painting style and depicts leisure activities at a popular boating and bathing establishment outside of Paris.
In March 1870, Monet's submission of a portrait of his son, entitled Jean Monet, is rejected by the Salon's jury.
In 1871, the art dealer, Paul Durand-Ruel, buys 23 of Manet's paintings for a whopping 35,000 francs, giving hope to the rest of the Impressionists.
In 1872, Claude Monet creates his iconic painting 'Impression, Sunrise', considered his first masterpiece.
In 1873, Pierre-Auguste Renoir painted 'Femmes dans un Jardin'. This painting was sold for $12.2 million in 2007.
In December 1874, a group of artists including Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley, Cézanne, Morisot, and Degas establish Société Anonyme Coopérative des Artistes Peintres, Sculpteurs, Graveurs in Paris as a response to the Salon. They invite other artists to join under the condition of not participating in the Salon.
Impressionism, an art movement, originated in Paris in December 1875. Artists aimed to depict the fleeting effects of light on colors and shapes, often painting en plein air. They utilized vibrant hues and thick brushstrokes to portray scenes of daily life in Paris.
The Second Impressionist Exhibition took place at the Durand-Ruel Gallery, showcasing works from twenty painters with a total of two hundred fifty pieces. Gustave Caillebotte's painting 'The Floor Planers' received high praise during the event.
Gustave Courbet, a prominent French painter, died in exile in Switzerland. He was ordered to pay a large sum of money for the replacement of the Vendôme Column and chose to die from liver damage due to heavy drinking.
Monet showcases his paintings Garden at St. Adresse and Rue Montogrueil at the Fourth Impressionist Exhibition in 1878, where notable artists like Cezanne, Renoir, Morisot, and Sisley are absent but new talent Paul Gauguin is featured.
Camille Monet, Monet's first wife, passed away at the age of 32, leaving Monet with two children to care for. Her death added to Monet's financial struggles during a challenging period.
The fifth Impressionist Exhibition was held where Monet chose not to participate. His work, Sunset on the Seine at Lavacourt, was accepted at the Salon but placed in a less visible location. Renoir, Sisley, and Cezanne also decided not to participate.
The Sixth Impressionist Exhibition, primarily led by Degas due to other artists stepping down, showcased works of thirteen artists including Degas' iconic sculpture 'Petite Danseuse de 14 Ans' which is now housed in room 31 at d'Orsay.
In 1882, Manet's painting The Bar at the Folies Bergère is included in the Salon but receives poor reviews. This painting marks the artist's last major work.
In 1883, Edouard Manet passed away after suffering from the long-term side effects of syphilis, which led to the amputation of his left foot. He was buried in Passy Cemetery.
A posthumous exhibition of Edouard Manet's works is held at the Louvre, showcasing the artistic legacy of the renowned French painter after his passing.
Impressionism, despite its fleeting nature, had a lasting impact on the art world. Its embrace of modernity paved the way for future avant-garde art movements in Europe, solidifying its significance in art history.
The eighth and final exhibition of Impressionist works takes place, with notable artists like Monet, Renoir, and Sisley not participating. Pissarro showcases his first 'pointilliste' work and advocates for the inclusion of works by Paul Signac and Seurat.
In 1889, Edgar Degas creates his painting 'The Tub'.
By 1890, Claude Monet had become prosperous enough to purchase the house, buildings, and land at Giverny where he had been living and painting. This marked a significant milestone in his career and personal life.
In May 1891, art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel exhibits 15 versions of Monet's Haystacks, which quickly sell out within three days, demonstrating the growing demand and appreciation for Monet's iconic series.
Auguste Renoir created 'Two Young Girls at the Piano' in 1892. The painting shows a charming domestic scene of two girls playing the piano, reflecting Renoir's interest in capturing everyday life.
Gustave Caillebotte, an independently wealthy individual, amassed a vast collection of Impressionist art by purchasing paintings from his friends. Upon his death at the age of 45, his impressive collection was left to the French state, contributing significantly to the art world.
In November 1895, Mary Cassatt produces her famous pastel artwork titled 'Mother and Child'.
In 1896, Monet begins painting water lilies, a subject that would captivate him for many years to come.
The Nationalgalerie in Berlin purchases one of Cezanne's works, showcasing the growing recognition of his art.
When Auguste Rodin presented his statue of Balzac at the Salon, it faced harsh criticism from the critics, leading to a scandal. Despite the negative reception, Rodin's fellow artists such as Paul Cezanne, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Claude Monet supported him by signing a petition in solidarity.
Art dealer Vollard holds another successful exhibition of Cezanne's work, with several paintings fetching significant prices.
Claude Monet embarked on his iconic Water Lilies series, consisting of 250 paintings that captured the beauty of his pond and gardens at Giverny. This series became the focal point of Monet's artistic endeavors for the last quarter century of his life, now displayed at the Musée de l'Orangerie.
Claude Monet painted CHARING CROSS BRIDGE in 1903. The painting was sold for $27.6 million in 2019.
In 1904, the French state received the impressive collection of impressionist paintings owned by Gustave Caillebotte.
Cezanne passes away on 22 October after catching pneumonia during a storm while painting.
Manet's painting Olympia is finally displayed in the Louvre, marking a significant recognition of his work.
An exhibition of 48 of Monet's Water Lilies is held in Paris, with fantastic sales and critical acclaim.
In 1911, the Louvre museum added 19 artworks by Edgar Degas to its collection.
In 1912, American collector Louisine Havermeyer purchased Degas' Dancers at the Barre for a record price of 478,500 francs, nearly doubling the previous record for a work by a living artist.
Renowned French artist Edgar Degas, known for his paintings of dancers, passes away.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, a key figure in the Impressionist movement, dies.
In 1922, Monet reached an agreement with French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau for the donation of his water lilies to the state upon his death, leading to the establishment of the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris.
Claude Monet, the renowned French painter and a leading figure in the Impressionist art movement, passed away.
The Musee de l'Orangerie opens its doors in May 1927, but initially struggles with poor attendance and is repurposed for other exhibitions and events like a dog show. It only gains popularity in the 1960s and is now considered one of the four main centers of Impressionism.
John Rewald revised and expanded the book 'The History of Impressionism' in 1961, providing a comprehensive account of the origins and development of the Impressionist movement.
Linda Nochlin edited a publication titled 'Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, 1874–1904: Sources and Documents' in 1966, compiling essential sources and documents related to the movements of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
The Foundation Monet opens Monet's Giverny house and gardens to the public for the first time in 1980.
The Musee d'Orsay opens its doors in 1986, housed in a grand converted railway station, focusing on French art between 1848 and 1914. It holds the most extensive collection of Impressionist works in the world.
A book titled 'Impressionism: Art, Leisure, and Parisian Society' was published by Robert L. Herbert in 1988, exploring the themes of art, leisure, and Parisian society in relation to Impressionism.
In 1990, Renoir's Bal du Moulin de la Galette is sold at auction for $78 million, becoming the second highest price ever paid for a work of art at that time.
Gary Tinterow and Henri Loyrette collaborated on an exhibition catalogue titled 'Origins of Impressionism' in 1994, shedding light on the beginnings and influences that shaped the Impressionist movement.
In 2002, one of Cezanne's The Card Players is sold for $259 million, becoming the highest price ever paid for a painting at that time.
A significant art auction event held in New York featuring works from the Impressionist & Modern Art genre, including pieces by artists like Paul Cézanne with estimated prices ranging from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 USD.
An evening sale featuring artworks from the Impressionist and Modern Art movements took place in New York on November 3, 2008.
In May 2009, one of Monet's Haystacks is sold by Christie's New York for $110.7 million, proving to be a lucrative investment as it was originally bought for just $2.5 million in 1986.
On June 22, 2010, an art auction dedicated to Impressionist and Modern Art was conducted in London.
A book titled 'Art + Paris Impressionists & Post-Impressionists: The Ultimate Guide to Artists, Paintings and Places in Paris and Normandy' was published in the United States in 2011. The book provides information about the artists, paintings, and places related to Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
A prestigious auction of Impressionist & Modern Art pieces in New York, showcasing artworks by renowned artists like Paul Cézanne with estimated prices between 25,000,000 and 35,000,000 USD.
An art auction event featuring works from the Impressionist & Modern Art genre held in London with estimated prices ranging from 5,000,000 to 7,000,000 GBP.
A significant evening sale showcasing Impressionist and Modern Art pieces was held in New York on November 5, 2015.
An auction featuring the artwork 'Maisons du port, Saint-Tropez' by Paul Signac with an estimated value of 8,000,000 – 12,000,000 USD, held during the Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale in New York.
Alfred Sisley's painting 'Effet de Neige à Louveciennes' from 1874 was sold for $7.3 million in 2017. Sisley was a prominent Impressionist artist known for his landscape paintings.
An auction featuring the artwork 'Prairie avec vaches, brume, soleil couchant à Éragny' by Camille Pissarro with an estimated value of 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 USD, held during the Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale in New York.
Auction featuring works by Impressionist artists Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro.
A sale event showcasing artworks from the Impressionist and Modern Art genres, taking place in New York on May 15, 2019.
An auction event featuring various artworks from the Impressionist and Modern Art movements, held in New York on November 12, 2019.
In October 2022, the Louvre Abu Dhabi hosts the Impressionism: Pathways to Modernity exhibition, showcasing over 150 key Impressionist works.
The Musee d'Orsay in Paris opens an exhibition in March 2024 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the First Impressionist Exhibition. The exhibition features over 130 works from 31 artists, including famous impressionists like Monet, Cezanne, Renoir, and Degas, juxtaposed with works from the official Paris Salon to showcase the contrast in painting styles.