Documentary Response 5

Impressionism was an art movement during a very short amount of time in the 1800s, from only 1865 until 1885.  The movement can be categorized by light, especially how people perceive and respond to different levels of light.  Specifically, impressionist artists strived to capture natural, outdoor light as opposed to artificial light.  In addition, the impressionist movement was unique because artists focused on everyday, normal life.  Prior to the movement, artists would paint supernatural and magnificent images such as Greek gods and goddesses, as well as Biblical stories.  Even though the movement was short, it had a lasting impact on art today. 

Pierre Auguste Renoir, Maternity, 1885, Oil on Canvas 

Pierre Auguste Renoir painted this in reaction to being a new father, as it shows his wife (Aline) breast feeding their first son (Pierre).  It is unique as it brings a fresh perspective on being a father. Additionally, Renoir painted this during his "Ingresque" or "dry" period, which was characterized by more precise edges, smoother lines, and more traditional painting techniques; Renoir practiced this style of painting from 1883 to 1890. 

I like this painting because of the relevance it has in today's society.  As of late, there has been debate regarding breast feeding in public, and this painting just expresses breast feeding as it is without controversy.  

Edgar Degas, In a Cafe, 1873, Oil on Canvas 

In a Cafe, also known as Absinthe, is a painting be Degas that is mean to evoke emotions regarding alcoholism.  A man and woman sit alone in a cafe with a glass of absinthe, and their facial expressions show their depression.  Alcohol can be a fun adventure, but in this picture, it is a sad and desolate road.  

Vincent Van Gogh, Self-Portrait, 1889, Oil on Canvas 

This painting is just one of over 40 self portraits that Vincent Van Gogh painted of himself.  Van Gogh's purpose was to be introspective and to reflect on himself.  The painting itself shows Vincent Van Gogh in a suit, with what he considered to be a basic background. 

Paul Signac, Entrance to the Port of La Rochelle, 1921, Oil on Canvas 

Paul Signac, along with Georges Seurat, fathered a movement within Impressionism called Pointillism, which was a technique in which small dots and small brush strokes are used to create an image.  

This image shows a boat off of the coast of La Rochelle in France.  From afar, the painting is very impressive, but upon closer inspection it is more impressive due to the creative techniques used to create the image.  

Vincent Van Gogh, In the Garden of Dr. Paul Gachet, 1890, Oil on Canvas

Vincent Van Gogh painted this along with Marguerite Gachet in Gardens as a small series of paintings.  During this period in his life, Van Gogh was wildly fascinated with gardens.  This particular painting was modeled off of the gardens of his physician, Dr. Paul Gachet.  

Originally, this painting was housed at the Louvre in Paris, but due to overcrowding it was moved to the Musee d'Orsay where it stays to this day.

Images retrieved from: 

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/works-in-focus/painting/commentaire_id/maternity-10799.htmltx_commentaire_pi1%5BpidLi%5D=509&tx_commentaire_pi1%5Bfrom%5D=841&cHash=905cb0f1aa

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/works-in-focus/painting/commentaire_id/in-a-cafe-2234.html?cHash=a4a48aea1e&print=1&

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/works-in-focus/painting/commentaire_id/self-portrait-2990.html?cHash=a873609651

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/index-of-works/notice.html?no_cache=1&zsz=5&lnum=13

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Gachet%27s_Garden_in_Auvers