Styles & Periods

Post-Impressionism

The impact that French Impressionism had on the art world was profound, and it set the stage for several of the influential and innovative modern masters that followed. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, several artists began to push the limits of Impressionism. Many elements of Impressionism were still considered relevant, including the use of intense color and brush strokes that reflected the character and mood of the painter. The Post-Impressionists continued to use these techniques, but sought to imbue their works with more compelling subjects, as well as a renewed focus on form and structure. The familiar names Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Georges Seurat all belong in this group. In general, these artists left behind the naturalism of Impressionism in favor of the scientific study of color. By introducing these elements, the seeds of modernist movements Fauvism, Cubism and German Expressionism were planted. When the paintings of the Post-Impressionists were first shown, a sensation occurred; today these works continue to be essential in the dialogue of modern art.