We should refer to European and not French Impressionism, although prior to about 1880 the hub of the movement was certainly Paris.
Corot
In the absence of any clearly articulated theoretical statements from the core French Impressionists, there are no obvious rules or clear criteria handed down.
He became an unabashed Impressionist during his long training in Europe, and was a great painter by any standards.
He never aspired to be an impressionist, but painted many works plein air, with loose brushwork, and conveying impressions.
Today, many consider him to be the father of American landscape painting.
The main German impressionist painters followed the French Impressionists, with Liebermann and Slevogt continuing to use the style well into the twentieth century.
If anyone led Impressionism during the 1860s and early 1870s, it was surely Jongkind.
Of the more prolific and influential members of the Macchiaioli, Fattori was the only one to adhere to the group’s principles throughout his career, at cost to his income and recognition.
A superb plein air painting of this scene on the River Tiber is part of the foundation that Corot laid for Impressionism.
This Impressionist essay on light, colour, and tranquillity features vivacious brush work; in taking art into everyday family life, it heralds art for all.
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