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Impressionism
English (translation)Original German
712 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
73 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
About the author
Ingo F. Walther
95 books52 followersIngo F. Walther was born in Berlin in 1940 and studied medieval studies, literature, and art history in Frankfurt am Main and Munich. He has published numerous books on the art of the Middle Ages and of the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 3, 2020
It’s definitely a textbook so I would recommend only to people who are really interested in Impressionist art. Not always the easiest to follow and a lot of flipping around to find the art they’re referring to. But it’s my favorite era and as a musician I haven’t taken a lot of art classes. So I’m glad I got to learn here! My favorite artists from this era after reading this book are Corot, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Luce, Hassam, Knight, and a handful of others who had one or two paintings in the book that I liked.
January 12, 2019
Knyga apie impresionizmo atsiradimą, vystymąsi Prancūzijoje bei Vakarų, Rytų Europos šalių, JAV dailininkų siekius perimti ir keisti impresionizmo tapybą. Knygoje daug spalvotų, geros kokybės paveikslų, išsamios dailininkų biografijos. Pasakojimas įdomus, neapsunkintas dailėtyros terminais, nurodantis į įdomesnius paveikslus.
December 25, 2023
“A work of art is a corner of creation seen through a temperament.” (from Émile Zola, 72, Ingo F. Walter)
A book on Impressionism in all of its exhibition in the world, which I found quite enjoyable. The chapters focused on France are detailed, and provide not only insight into the lives of painters from the birthplace of Impressionism, but also have an art critic on various paintings and comments on press publications. The rest of the book showcases artists from all throughout Europe and America, though in a much more schematic way, which is still a good introduction to them.
A book on Impressionism in all of its exhibition in the world, which I found quite enjoyable. The chapters focused on France are detailed, and provide not only insight into the lives of painters from the birthplace of Impressionism, but also have an art critic on various paintings and comments on press publications. The rest of the book showcases artists from all throughout Europe and America, though in a much more schematic way, which is still a good introduction to them.
December 28, 2018
in all honesty, i’ve only read 75-85% of this behemoth of a book in 2017. the colored photos of impressionist paintings is detailed and has interesting information in the footnotes. if you’ve studied impressionism before you might find the history of it and artists brief and mostly “common” knowledge, but i still learned some. i’m thinking of rereading it in 2019.
November 13, 2020
When it comes to art, I’ve always been a sympathetic observer, which is another way of saying I’m a dilettante. I appreciate many of the paintings I look at, but haven’t bothered to learn much about what goes on behind the scenes. When it comes to history, I’m much the same way- which is another way of saying I’m an ignoramus, though an enthusiastic one. Such is the lot of the pseudo-intellectual.
But one thing I’ve learned is that art history can be a compelling subject, when it touches upon some other area one is actually interested in. For me, that area is music- more specifically classical music. And to be even more specific, the impressionistic period.
While a freshman in college, I was casting about for a major. Since I was a drummer, and had nary a clue about what I wanted to do in life, I chose music as a major. And though I eventually discovered that the only way someone could make a living with music was as a teacher- something I loathed to become involved in- I did gain a lot from beginning piano classes and Orchestra, for that is where I was introduced to Ravel, Debussy and Satie. Though initially attracted to the Russians (Mussorgsky, Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff), and a Hungarian pianist named Bela Bartok, it was the French Impressionistic composers whose music caught my heart and ear. Their melodies and arrangements were ethereal and calming; they made me think of faraway places I could have sworn I’d been to, yet never visited.
It wasn’t long before I discovered that Impressionism wasn’t restricted to music, but was also an important part of the art world, from 1860-1920. What really got my attention was the fact that the dreamy state I went into while listening to Debussy’s “Clair De Lune” could be seen in paintings by Monet, Seurat and Degas. And so began a lifelong love of Impressionistic artwork.
But a love of Monet’s or Degas’ style doesn’t need to begin with classical music. This is where the Taschen publication “Impressionism” comes in. I found the book after a tour of the Getty Museum, which holds one of the more impressive gift shops I’ve ever seen- as well it should, given its location.
The store offered a selection of Taschen books, the one on Impressionism catching my eye. I like big heavy tomes, as a rule, and this one didn’t disappoint. At 704 square bound pages, it’s two inches thick, and measures six inches wide by seven-and-a half tall, making it small enough to hold in one’s hands- though it could be unwieldy for some, as it weighs five or six pounds.
The book is divided into two parts: Part I: Impressionism in France, and Part II: Impressionism in Europe and North America. One interesting thing is the comments about Section Two, the editor reminding us that though “this art may not always be strictly Impressionist, it nonetheless owed a debt to the French artists even when their style was translated into a different national artistic idiom.”
Both sections cover the 1860-1920 period, and do so beautifully. Alongside a running commentary that guides readers through the years and lives of the 236 painters featured is a multitude of full-color paintings- probably over one-thousand of them- that fill the first 640 pages. To say this is a visual feast would be no exaggeration.
What follows the pictures is a sixty-three-page Directory of Impressionism that lists sectional notes, short bios and photos or sketches (where possible) of the painters, as well as a list of illustrations and painting locations. Due to its small font size, this last section packs a lot of information into its limited space.
And though my 25th anniversary edition has recently been updated- and also available in two volumes and hardback- this is an excellent book for those like myself who want to get their feet wet, but not go in over their heads.
But one thing I’ve learned is that art history can be a compelling subject, when it touches upon some other area one is actually interested in. For me, that area is music- more specifically classical music. And to be even more specific, the impressionistic period.
While a freshman in college, I was casting about for a major. Since I was a drummer, and had nary a clue about what I wanted to do in life, I chose music as a major. And though I eventually discovered that the only way someone could make a living with music was as a teacher- something I loathed to become involved in- I did gain a lot from beginning piano classes and Orchestra, for that is where I was introduced to Ravel, Debussy and Satie. Though initially attracted to the Russians (Mussorgsky, Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff), and a Hungarian pianist named Bela Bartok, it was the French Impressionistic composers whose music caught my heart and ear. Their melodies and arrangements were ethereal and calming; they made me think of faraway places I could have sworn I’d been to, yet never visited.
It wasn’t long before I discovered that Impressionism wasn’t restricted to music, but was also an important part of the art world, from 1860-1920. What really got my attention was the fact that the dreamy state I went into while listening to Debussy’s “Clair De Lune” could be seen in paintings by Monet, Seurat and Degas. And so began a lifelong love of Impressionistic artwork.
But a love of Monet’s or Degas’ style doesn’t need to begin with classical music. This is where the Taschen publication “Impressionism” comes in. I found the book after a tour of the Getty Museum, which holds one of the more impressive gift shops I’ve ever seen- as well it should, given its location.
The store offered a selection of Taschen books, the one on Impressionism catching my eye. I like big heavy tomes, as a rule, and this one didn’t disappoint. At 704 square bound pages, it’s two inches thick, and measures six inches wide by seven-and-a half tall, making it small enough to hold in one’s hands- though it could be unwieldy for some, as it weighs five or six pounds.
The book is divided into two parts: Part I: Impressionism in France, and Part II: Impressionism in Europe and North America. One interesting thing is the comments about Section Two, the editor reminding us that though “this art may not always be strictly Impressionist, it nonetheless owed a debt to the French artists even when their style was translated into a different national artistic idiom.”
Both sections cover the 1860-1920 period, and do so beautifully. Alongside a running commentary that guides readers through the years and lives of the 236 painters featured is a multitude of full-color paintings- probably over one-thousand of them- that fill the first 640 pages. To say this is a visual feast would be no exaggeration.
What follows the pictures is a sixty-three-page Directory of Impressionism that lists sectional notes, short bios and photos or sketches (where possible) of the painters, as well as a list of illustrations and painting locations. Due to its small font size, this last section packs a lot of information into its limited space.
And though my 25th anniversary edition has recently been updated- and also available in two volumes and hardback- this is an excellent book for those like myself who want to get their feet wet, but not go in over their heads.
April 6, 2020
I like the content of this book however the paintings they reference many times are not on the same page as the commentary for that exact painting. This causes contant flipping through pages, and makes reading inconvenient. I would state that as the biggest flaw. The organization of the book could have also been more structured and clear. It definitely comments on impressionist art but sometimes it seems like there is no clear direction. After reading a long subheading, it is difficult to remember how earlier points made connect. Overall however it has great content, especially for readers who love impressionist art.
July 15, 2025
Ingo F. Walther's Impressionism isn't just a coffee table book with pretty pictures—it's a surprisingly compelling deep dive into one of the most transformative movements in art history. If you've ever stood in front of a Monet or a Degas and felt something stir, this book helps unpack why.
Walther writes with an ease that makes you forget you're reading art history. There's no snobbery here, no dense academic jargon. Instead, he invites you into the world of 19th-century Paris, into the studios and cafes where these radical painters challenged tradition. The book walks you through how Impressionism broke the rules—how it rejected formalism and embraced fleeting light, open air, and modern life.
The images are gorgeous, of course. Full-color reproductions that do justice to the movement's obsession with light and motion. But it's the narrative that really carries the book. Walther treats each artist as more than just a name on a museum plaque. You get a sense of their individual struggles, quirks, and creative breakthroughs. Whether it's Monet obsessing over haystacks or Berthe Morisot navigating a male-dominated art world, there's personality here.
Is it comprehensive? Not entirely. Some lesser-known artists and offshoots get short shrift. But what's here is curated with care and focus. Walther knows what matters and keeps the story moving without sacrificing depth.
In short, Impressionism is smart without being stuffy, informative without being dry, and beautiful without being shallow. It’s the kind of book that makes you look at art—and maybe even the world—a little differently.
Walther writes with an ease that makes you forget you're reading art history. There's no snobbery here, no dense academic jargon. Instead, he invites you into the world of 19th-century Paris, into the studios and cafes where these radical painters challenged tradition. The book walks you through how Impressionism broke the rules—how it rejected formalism and embraced fleeting light, open air, and modern life.
The images are gorgeous, of course. Full-color reproductions that do justice to the movement's obsession with light and motion. But it's the narrative that really carries the book. Walther treats each artist as more than just a name on a museum plaque. You get a sense of their individual struggles, quirks, and creative breakthroughs. Whether it's Monet obsessing over haystacks or Berthe Morisot navigating a male-dominated art world, there's personality here.
Is it comprehensive? Not entirely. Some lesser-known artists and offshoots get short shrift. But what's here is curated with care and focus. Walther knows what matters and keeps the story moving without sacrificing depth.
In short, Impressionism is smart without being stuffy, informative without being dry, and beautiful without being shallow. It’s the kind of book that makes you look at art—and maybe even the world—a little differently.
Read
January 17, 2020This book is nice in showing a way larger selection of impressionist art than many other sources, and was quite inexpensive. The small size didn't significantly detract from most of the art. Unfortunately, the color rendition was rather off. I wondered why so many women had red hair during this period, or if impressionists just liked redheads; but when I looked up one of the pictures that reminded me of my girlfriend, it turned out that the painting actually shows her with auburn. Time for some museum trips. If your goal is to see the breadth of impressionism, this is a good choice.
April 12, 2021
Ein schönes Sammelwerk mit den wichtigsten Vertretern und Informationen zu der impressionistischen Malerei Bewegung. Wer etwas über die Künstler selbst wissen möchte sollte allerdings eher auf einen spezialisierten Band zurückgreifen. Dieses Buch befasst sicht vor allem mit dem geschichtlichen Hintergrund und der gesellschaftlichen Entwicklung des Kunststils.
Mich stört ein wenig, dass im Text die meiste Zeit auf Bilder verwiesen wird, die sich viele Seiten weit entfernt befinden. Dafür sind sie farblich passend arrangiert, sodass die Ästhetik diesen Umstand wieder wet macht.
Mich stört ein wenig, dass im Text die meiste Zeit auf Bilder verwiesen wird, die sich viele Seiten weit entfernt befinden. Dafür sind sie farblich passend arrangiert, sodass die Ästhetik diesen Umstand wieder wet macht.
March 4, 2019
A wonderful gateway book for enjoying and learning about the impressionists. Even with in its 11" x 17" format, I wish white space on pages had been minimized better. Also, paintings by individual artists are not shown together and discussion of specific images can be many pages away from the actual image. I found the 60-page "Directory of Impressionism" (it is mostly bios) at the end of the book to be more accessible than the individual chapter texts.
May 24, 2023
Lavishly illustrated in full color, this complex work covers the rise of French Impressionism and its dissemination to the other regions of Europe … the final chapter discusses Impressionism in North America … wide-ranging in scope …
April 18, 2019
Sudah dibuka-dibuka. Diliat-liat. Tapi masih ada di atas rak. Bingung kapan bacanya.
August 3, 2019
Excellent!
May 5, 2020
Muy completo y de lenguaje accesible.
July 22, 2021
The story of the Impressionist, of rejection, of pain, of triumph is a must read for all aspiring underdogs in the world in whatever field enterprise. How did they crack the Salon?
August 2, 2022
The textbook of Impressionism, the top of the mountain in Art History.
May 14, 2023
Excelente historia con varias fotos de algunos de los cuadros mas representativos de este movimiento artístico nacido en Francia y que se expandió al resto de Europa y a Norteamérica.
February 14, 2024
Thorough coverage of Impressionism throughout the world.
April 2, 2024
More a reference book with beautiful prints than a history.
June 18, 2024
A useful book, very detailed, with hundreds of examples. My only criticism is related to the small size of the images (and the font of the text).
August 9, 2025
absolutely amazing, easy to understand, full of images and lots of countries mentioned. loved it
July 22, 2021
El libro es un placer, es uno de esos postres de lujo que se disfrutan a cada bocado. Tal vez se pudiera pensar que su formato pequeño no favorece la observación de las obras, pero la calidad del papel y de las reproducciones que distinguen a Taschen, lo compensan perfectamente, y el lector gana con un libro que es manejable y que permite una lectura muy cómoda. Además, lo más valioso es el minucioso relato que Walther desarrolla, una historia profusamente documentada y muy bien escrita del impresionismo, que nos lleva por la vida y la obra de múltiples artistas en varias latitudes y épocas, y que logra brindar una idea muy completa de lo que significó el impresionismo en sus distintos momentos. Es un texto ideal para quien quiere comprender esta corriente artística y su momento histórico
February 9, 2017
If you are interested in impressionism then this behemoth is for you.
October 18, 2024
Entstehung des Impressionismus in Frankreich - dankenswerterweise wirft das Buch auch einen Blick auf die weniger bekannten Künstler. Bis hin zu Neo- und Nachimpressionismus. Und dann weiter zu den internationalen Ausprägungen - Deutschland, Italien, England, Skandinavien
Ein informativer Rundflug durch die Theorien, Künstlervereinigungen und mit kurzem Abriss zu einzelnen Künstlerbiografien.
Ich habe eine Ausgabe von Taschen - etwas kleinformatiger, 2 Bänder in einem Schuber
Da wünscht man sich bei manchen Abbildungen ein größeres Format - und dann freut man sich, dass man den Band auch mitnehmen kann ...
Ein informativer Rundflug durch die Theorien, Künstlervereinigungen und mit kurzem Abriss zu einzelnen Künstlerbiografien.
Ich habe eine Ausgabe von Taschen - etwas kleinformatiger, 2 Bänder in einem Schuber
Da wünscht man sich bei manchen Abbildungen ein größeres Format - und dann freut man sich, dass man den Band auch mitnehmen kann ...
April 28, 2017
Taschen si conferma un'ottima casa editrice per l'arte: rapporto qualità-prezzo altissimo per questo cofanetto che comprende due volumi grandi e pesanti, con parecchio testo ed immagini di qualità elevata. La tipica opera "da biblioteca", da sfogliare ogni tanto per rifarsi gli occhi. A chi fosse particolarmente interessato al contenuto scritto - vi sono nuovi studi sull'Impressionsimo, che confesso di aver letto solo in minima parte - consiglio l'edizione tascabile dell'opera, decisamente più maneggevole.
April 4, 2012
A very nice 2 volume set. 1st volume covers Impressionism in France, text about the artist and cultural context. Some captions are French as the titles are French. 2n volume covers the rest of the world's impressionist painters. The pictures in the set are nice full color and many known and not so well known artists are profiled. If you like impressionist works, this is a good reference.
June 9, 2014
Color images of paintings are the best part. The discussion of the movement and individual artists is way too general, for all the heft and size of this book. I'm writing a book on Impressionism myself and read this for background research. Unfortunately, it added nothing new to what I already know. Maybe the details were in the footnotes.
December 16, 2013
Sort of silly to say that I read a coffee-table book about Impressionism. There were lots of words, but even more amazing pictures of paintings. I'm hooked.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews