Impressionism Post 5 - Beshoy Erian

“Work now being done on the social meanings produced by Impressionist paintings suggests a complex relationship between the new painting and the new middle-class family (to which most of the Impressionists belonged). Moreover, the decision to work en plein air and to forego the historical subjects, with the complex studio set-ups and multiple models they required, transformed the relationship between the painter’s daily life and his or her studio life; this aspect of Impressionism deserves more study for it profoundly shaped women’s relationship to the movement”.

What I understood from this quote is that impressionism was linked to changes in society as well as artistic progress. Instead of painting large, historical works in studios, many impressionists who came from middle class backgrounds chose to paint regular ordinary life outdoors. It became more widespread and common as a result. Artists' methods shifted, especially for women.

“Feminist theory has often held to the premise that the viewing field is organized for a male subject who exercises power through looking, and in this way asserting visual control over the objects of his desire (usually female). More recently, art historians have begun to explore the ways that modern women mobilized a new range of female gazes within a developing consumer society”.

From what I gathered, in the past, art was often made for men to look at, especially with women shown as objects and for desire. But as time went on, people started to study how women created their own ways of seeing and showing things, especially as society became more focused on shopping, fashion, and images. Its interesting to see how the role of women in art has changed, not just being looked at, but also reshaping how things are seen. It shows that women weren't just subjects in art, they found ways to take control and express their own views

List 5 characteristics of Impressionism. Highlight two Impressionist women artists. List the subjects they focused on and one or more characteristics of Impressionism that each of them applied in their work

-You can see the brushstrokes

-The focus on light

-Everyday things, streets, gardens, people, etc.

-Vibrant colors

-Odd angles or framing


Two women Artist Impressionist:

Eva Gonzales, her work consisted of realism and impressionism, using soft but light brushstrokes, natural light and makes a moody/delicate work


Berthe Morisot, her work consisted of scene of life, portraits, and landscapes. Uses loose and fast brushstrokes showing movement and uses vibrant colors