22 Famous Impressionist Paintings Every Art Enthusiast Must See

Abstract painting

Impressionism was a revolutionary 19th-century art movement that changed how light, colour and everyday life were shown in art paintings. By stepping away from academic art’s strict techniques, Impressionists embraced vibrant brushstrokes and a focus on natural light and modernity. Their art celebrated fleeting beauty, from busy urban streets to serene landscapes. Even today, Impressionism remains a source of inspiration for artists and art lovers alike.

This guide explores 22 of the most famous Impressionist paintings that defined this innovative style. Let’s dive into the works that shaped art history.

What Is Impressionism?

Impressionism is an artistic movement that started in France in the late 19th century. It is known for its emphasis on light, colour, and the transient nature of scenes.

Impressionist painters often worked outdoors as they captured realistic scenes of everyday life with broad brush strokes that emphasised mood over detailed accuracy. This shift marked a departure from traditional notions of academic art, focusing instead on unusual visual angles and the immediacy of the moment.

Origins of the Impressionist Movement

Impressionism started as a reaction against the strict conventions of academic art and the Paris Salon. Frustrated by the strictness and rigidity of traditional standards, various groups of independent artists, including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas, organised their first exhibition in 1874. Monet’s Impression, Sunrise became the defining work of the movement, giving Impressionism its name.

The eight Impressionist artists had exhibitions held between 1874 and 1886 showcased their bold approach to art, with thick strokes of paint and scenes depicting modern life, from bustling cityscapes to serene rural landscapes. The seventh Impressionist exhibition, in particular, highlighted their growing influence on modern art and their ability to capture the vibrancy of contemporary life.

The movement reflected the profound changes brought by industrialisation and urbanisation. Trains, factories, and modern cityscapes are some of the things that influenced the subject matter and techniques of Impressionist art, making it a vivid representation of a rapidly evolving society.

Most Famous Impressionist Paintings and Their Artist

The Impressionist movement was shaped by a group of visionary artists who each brought a unique perspective to their work:

Claude Monet: Is famously known as the Master of Light and nature, Monet’s landscapes are iconic representations of Impressionism. His artworks, such as Water Lilies and Rouen Cathedral, showcase his ability to capture atmospheric effects.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Renoir's known for his depictions of social scenes and the human form; his paintings, like Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette mirror the joy of contemporary life.
Edgar Degas: Celebrated for his dynamic portrayals of ballet dancers and urban life, Degas brought a unique focus on movement and form.
Mary Cassatt: One of the pioneering female artists, Cassatt explored themes of motherhood and femininity through works like The Child’s Bath.
Berthe Morisot: Focused on domestic scenes and the subtleties of natural light, Morisot’s works, such as The Cradle, highlight her Impressionist style.
Camille Pissarro: Renowned for his rural and urban landscapes, Pissarro’s works like Boulevard Montmartre at Night blend realism and Impressionism.
Eugène Boudin: A precursor to Impressionism, Boudin’s coastal scenes, such as Beach at Trouville, emphasised the beauty of ordinary subject matter.
Gustave Caillebotte: Merged realism with Impressionist techniques to depict urban life, as seen in The Floor Scrapers.

Impression, Sunrise (Claude Monet, 1872)

Impression, Sunrise

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Most Famous Impressionist Paintings and Their Artist

Impression, Sunrise (Claude Monet, 1872)

Water Lilies Series (Claude Monet, 1899–1926)

Olympia (Edouward Manet, 1863)

Rouen Cathedral Series (Claude Monet, 1892–1893)

Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette (Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1876)

Luncheon of the Boating Party (Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1881)

The Swing (Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1876)

Ballet Rehearsal (Edgar Degas, 1873)

The Absinthe Drinker (Edgar Degas, 1876)

The Child’s Bath (Mary Cassatt, 1893)

In the Loge (Mary Cassatt, 1878)

Summertime (Mary Cassatt, 1894)

The Cradle (Berthe Morisot, 1872)

Summer’s Day (Berthe Morisot, 1879)

The Mother and Sister of the Artist (Berthe Morisot, 1869–1870)

Boulevard Montmartre at Night (Camille Pissarro, 1897)

The Hermitage at Pontoise (Camille Pissarro, 1867–1869)

The Red Roofs, Corner of a Village, Winter (Camille Pissarro, 1877)

The Port of Le Havre (Eugène Boudin, 1884)

Beach at Trouville (Eugène Boudin, 1864–1865)

The Jetty at Deauville (Eugène Boudin, 1869)

The Floor Scrapers (Gustave Caillebotte, 1875)

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