The Impressionists: Painters of Modern Life

Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt: these familiar names evoke works of art beloved by museum-goers around the world. However, in their own times, these artists were considered radical creators of shocking canvases that threatened the French art establishment. In this seminar we will examine how and why Impressionism emerged as the first important style of modern art by following its evolution from a style that was reviled by the critics to its eventual acceptance. To provide a framework, we will examine works by important writers including Baudelaire and Zola, as well as the political and social situation in France. 3 hrs. sem.