Impressionism: Reimagining Art

by Norbert Wolf

Now available in a compact and attractively priced edition, this lavishly illustrated, multi-faceted examination of Impressionism traces the movement’s birth, development, and global impact.

One of the art world’s most recognizable and popular styles, Impressionism is also one of the most complex.

In this sumptuous overview Norbert Wolf lends his attention to all aspects of its historical precursors, contemporary rivals, and the movements it inspired. Over 200 reproductions of entire works and highlighted details introduce readers to the Impressionists’ aesthetics and techniques. Wolf draws insightful parallels between these paintings and other contemporary works of music, photography, and literature. Charting the movement’s expansion from France to the rest of Europe and North America, this volume shines a spotlight on the main protagonists who were key in the development of Impressionism. It highlights not only the French pioneers — Claude Monet, Gustave Caillebotte, Édouard Manet, Pierre- Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, and others—but also Max Liebermann, Lovis Corinth, John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, William Merritt Chase, and James McNeill Whistler.

Authoritative and illuminating, this wide-ranging exploration of Impressionism’s astounding impact on art history will surprise even the most seasoned aficionado.

Genres: Art

272 pages, Hardcover

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Norbert Wolf is an art historian and author based in Munich. He has published several books with Prestel, including "Art Nouveau", "Art Deco", "Impressionism", "Spanish Painting", and "The Golden Age of Dutch and Flemish Painting", as well as monographs on Albrecht Dürer and Titian.

Reviews

[E. G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction & Acknowledgements

--Impressionism: Reimagining Art

Endnotes
Selected Bibliography
List of Works Illustrated
Index of Names
Photo Credits
Imprint

[Luciana Nery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 5-star art book if there was ever one: the images are impeccable, the format is engaging and the text (as just about everything I have read from Norbert Wolf) is informative and compelling. This is a true page-turner! Should be of an interest to the casual art lover and also to the dedicated art history student.

The author quotes Kierkegaard: "Nothing is as swift as the blink of an eye, and yet it is commensurable with the content of the eternal".

The content of the eternal comprises, to my own understanding, the "impressions" of impressionism.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Impressionist art when I was a middle school student on a field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. My continued exposure to the movement came from an AP Art History class in high school. After that class, I was completely hooked on the work of Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Signac, etc. Yes, I understand these artists are not strictly part of the Impressionist movement; however, they all have a very common style in their work. I've seen many of these pieces up close in museums (Minneapolis and Chicago), but now I am dying to go to Paris to the Musee D'Orsay to see more of these paintings. This book was well written and extremely interesting. I am certainly not an expert in the field, just a novice fan of beautiful art. I have been asked by several people why this period...it's hard to explain, other than to say, when I look at these pieces, I feel an incredible sense of beauty and peace. No other art has given me that feeling. For anyone who wants to learn more about this period, the artists, the history...this is a must-read. The pictures are beautifully reproduced and high-quality. The layout was perfect.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

fabulous resource and absolutely beautiful

[James Euclid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Durchaus aufschlussreich, nur liegt der Schreibstil kurz vor Hausarbeit im Grundstudium. Die Argumentation, dass es zwei Impressionismen gab, damit Degas und Manet mit unter den Hut gebracht werden können, ist ganz interessant und wird von eingien Perspektiven beleuchtet, wirklich vertieft wird es aber nicht. Die Gemälde sind manchmal etwas klein und meist bekommen nur Details eine ganze Seite Platz, aber zumindest in diesem Feld (Auswahl und Druck) wird mehr geglänzt als nicht.