Impressionism originated in France in the 1860s and is characterized by its emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. Rather than meticulously blending colours, Impressionist painters applied paint in visible, rapid brushstrokes, often working outdoors (en plein air) to capture scenes of everyday life and landscapes.

The movement takes its name from Claude Monet's painting Impression, Sunrise (1872). Other key figures include Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and Camille Pissarro. Impressionism broke with centuries of academic tradition and laid the groundwork for modern art.