Here at Displate, it’s no surprise we’re fans of art – in fact, we’re mad about it. To us everything can be art and nothing shouts your appreciation that having your very own piece of it hanging in your home. It’s why we do what we do! And while we’re lovers of contemporary art and artists in all forms, there’s no denying that others stand the test of time, becoming symbols of true artistic expression that generation after generation enjoy. And nothing quite captures that essence like Impressionist art.
Having spanned 150 years since its birth, Impressionism has been a constant source of inspiration for artists, culture, and everyday people to simply enjoy. So to celebrate the history, we’ve put together a guide for how you can experience Impressionism like never before!
A Brief History of Impressionism
It all started during the 1860s in a Parisian cafe where notable figures such as Auguste Renoir, Jean-Frédéric Bazille, and Claude Monet became figures in what would be called “the Batignolles group”. Though France is the home nation of Impressionism, the avant-garde movement to break away from renaissance characteristics traveled internationally to become one of the most iconic eras of art history.
The Impressionist movement looked to capture the ever-changing effects of sunlight by stepping outdoors from the studio and capturing the scene quickly. Hereby creating a focus on light and color to highlight nature’s beauty. Subjects of the Impressionists became in the open air, or, for fancier terms, en plein air – you’ll see what we mean in a minute…
1. Fondation Monet, Giverny
Monet’s home and gardens would have been the envy of all of Pinterest had it been around at the time. Arguably the most influential and famous Impressionist, Monet’s home was decorated as if we were stepping into one of his paintings. Monet’s Japanese footbridge is something to behold 125 years later.
And now you can experience this masterpiece in real life by taking a walk through his home and garden at Fondation Monet in Giverny, France. Oh to walk in the footsteps of an artist!
2. The Batignolles District, Paris
Why not honor the 150th anniversary of Impressionism by going back to where it all began? A group of rebellious artists meet in the Batignolles neighborhood of Paris discussing their dissatisfaction with the classical training they received at art school. There needed to be a way to rebel against the “correct” way of art.
The Batignolles’s Groups’ hotspot Café Guerboi sadly no longer exists but why not enjoy a croissant and cafe au lait in one of the many Parisian cafes in Batignolle? Who knows, maybe you’ll be struck by the same artistic inspiration as they had.
3. Renoir’s Guernsey Island
The way in which Auguste Renoir painted would change after his five-week stay in the little island just between France and Britain. Guernsey boasts beautiful landscapes that greatly inspired Renoirm, with the island’s rocky southern coastline being the inspiration of fifteen of Renoir’s paintings. One of those being the notable Hills around the Bay of Moulin Huet.
A short stay in Guernsey to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Impressionism could see you going on the popular “Renoir Walk” , a self-guided tour to witness all of the wonderful landscapes that inspired Renoir to paint during his travels.
4. Embrace Theater at the Palais Garnier, Paris
Impressionism is not limited to beautiful scenes in nature, it was about capturing the moment. In Renoir’s, La Loge, the anticipation of the performance is captured via a young couple watching a show in the opera box. An immersive way to honor the 150 years since Impressionism graced us would be to go to the Palais Garnier to watch an opera, concert or ballet.
The Palais Garnier itself is a pretty magnificent building to behold, so if the shows when you go aren’t for you, you can always bask in its beautiful infrastructure and feel the presence that was felt 150 years ago.
5. Cézane’s Studio in Atelier des Lauves, Aix en Provence
If you’re running a tad late in planning in honoring Impressionism’s big birthday, this might just be the ticket. Cezanne studios is temporarily closed until Spring 2025 to give it some needed care but this doesn’t mean you need to pass on it.
This studio is sacred to Impressionism, hosting Cezanne’s artistic space for the last four years of his life from 1902-06. This was where such works such as The Large Bathers was created. We also have a poster of The Large Bathers available – a very cool edition to your collection!
6. Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience, Europe and North America Cities.
Literally walking *through* art 150 years ago may have sounded like a rather bizarre concept. Not in the 21st century – nowadays you can immerse yourself in art physically and totally.
We’re heading towards the immersive Monet experience that is being hosted in multiple cities in Europe and North America. You’ll be surrounded by visuals of his work and life – Did we mention that they also have virtual reality journeys of some of his most iconic pieces? Try explaining that to anyone 150 years ago!
7. Visit the Piazza San Marco, Venice.
Venice will offer an exciting new location to honor Impressionism. We are going to Saint Mark’s Basilica in beautiful Italy where Renoir seized the opportunity to capture a moment outside of the Piazza in 1881.
The principal square of Venice will offer those who visit an extraordinary opportunity to step into the scene that Renoir felt inspired by. Supposedly, it is said that Napoleon called the Piazza “the drawing room of Europe” referring to the serenity felt by all those who experience the area.
8. Explore Impressionism at the Courtauld, London.
A cornerstone to experiencing Impressionism is at the Courtauld Institute of Art. Some of the most important and iconic Impressionist paintings reside at the Courtauld.
For an understanding of the power impressionism has in our history, the Courtauld Institute is a great place to get the grounds covered. Whilst you are in London, you could celebrate further and go to some of the landmarks where impressionist artists took inspiration to paint.
For example, you may want to head to the Thames to see Morisot’s impression of the river that goes through London or admire Big Ben during sunset to feel the influence that Monet used to paint one of his many works.
9. Boulevard Montmartre (in Spring), Paris.
We’re heading over to stroll through more of Paris’ beautiful streets again. This time, focusing on the Boulevard Montmartre to honor the beautiful painting by Camille Pissarro. Pissarro may be less of a household name but don’t let that mistake you from knowing how influential he is. He is celebrated as being the only trailblazing Impressionist to be displayed at all eight of the Paris Impressionist Expeditions.
10. Cycle and Hike through La Seine à Vélo, France.
If, like the Impressionists, you are a great lover of the outdoors, why not challenge yourself to cycle or hike the 260-mile long length (or perhaps just a part) of incredible sights and scenes the La Seine à Vélo has to offer?
This route passes through many of the sights that inspired some of the great Impressionists. Take yourself on a tour around France’s beautiful landscapes and embed yourself in the history and culture it preserves so well. Renoir and Monet were both famous in their paintings of the River Seine which you’ll bump into a lot along the way!
What’s more, the route takes you to the Musée des Impressionismes – you could stop off there and see if you can pinpoint any work that you have seen on the route as so far!
Create Your Own Gallery of Impressionist Works With Displate!
We can all find our way to honor the 150 years since Impressionism broke the rules and introduced us to a new version of art. With Displate, you can keep your celebrations going eternally with our metal posters of all of your favorite impressionist pieces.
Whether you want The Large Bathers in your bathroom or Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies to brighten up your living room. We are sure that you can keep the celebrations going with a few of your favorite impressionist pieces displayed in your home.
