Masterpieces of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
Rodin’s The Thinker
Key Aspects: Impressionism, bronze casting, sculpture.
Formal Analysis
The Thinker was initially conceived as part of a larger work, The Gates of Hell. The sculpture depicts a nude man in a deeply reflective pose, with exaggerated hands and feet. Despite the naturalism in the figure, Rodin’s intention was not merely to create a realistic depiction but to symbolize the tortured state of human thought and destiny. The feeling of life and movement is conveyed through the sculpture’s surface, where heavy shadows emphasize the figure’s suffering. It is a self-contained sculpture, reflecting Rodin’s deep study of classical sculpture.
Interpretation
The Thinker was originally intended to be part of The Gates of Hell, commissioned by the state. Although The Gates of Hell is considered an unfinished masterpiece, The Thinker stands alone as a complete work.
Courbet’s Burial at Ornans
Key Aspects: French Realism, oil on canvas.
Formal Analysis
The painting is structured as a frieze, with a static composition. The figures, depicted at natural size, are arranged in a homogeneous group without a clear hierarchy. The background landscape captures the mountains and the height of the village. The rigid posture of the figures is balanced by the horizontal lines of the landscape. Dark tones of black, gray, and red are used to heighten the dramatic expression, while brown and ochre tones are used for the landscape. The figures display expressions of indifference; some even seem to ignore the ceremony. The style is realistic, representing everyday events with the precision of scientists and naturalists. Courbet’s mastery is evident in the powerful drawing and accurate study of light.
Interpretation and Function
This work can be seen as a manifesto defending Courbet’s new artistic style. He considered art to be a social and naturalist endeavor, with direct observation of the natural world as its primary source. The objective was to capture a social event, such as a burial.
Manet’s Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe (Luncheon on the Grass)
Key Aspects: Impressionism, oil on canvas.
Analysis
The center of the composition is occupied by three figures: a nude woman and two dressed men. One man gestures with his arm as if speaking, while a woman in underwear is seen in the background, refreshing herself near a boat. A basket of fruit to the left gives the work its name. The scene is framed within a wood. The first group of figures forms a compositional triangle, while the second figure creates a larger triangle encompassing the whole. The depth of the painting is reinforced by the woman in the background and the surrounding landscape. Shades of green, black, and white dominate. There is a notable use of chiaroscuro, with figures almost devoid of outlines and flat planes of color. The light is achieved through the juxtaposition of violent tones, surpassing the effects of traditional chiaroscuro.
Style
Manet was considered a guide and model by the Impressionists. He broke with traditional art, and his style was simple, characterized by strong color planes influenced by Japanese prints.
Monet’s Impression, soleil levant (Impression, Sunrise)
Key Aspects: Impressionism, oil on canvas.
Analysis
Spontaneous and loose spots of intense color are used to achieve subtle light effects. The figures are schematically outlined. A deep black is used to create a sense of feeling. It is an open-ended view of the harbor, showing ships and their masts.
Style
Monet painted outdoors, using small strokes and pure colors. This technique, reminiscent of photography, aimed to capture reality with greater fidelity. Impressionists were interested in color and the spectrum, using pure tones without mixing.
Significance
This painting did not aim to capture a specific scene but rather an atmosphere. Monet’s intention was to capture the light and atmosphere of a moment, not to represent the port itself. Monet is a representative member of Impressionism, focusing on light and color as the main subjects.
Cézanne’s The Card Players
Key Aspects: Post-Impressionism.
Analysis
The composition is serene and balanced, with a man on either side. Warm colors and chromatic contrasts predominate. This everyday scene, with its Cubist influences, symbolizes the struggle between Cézanne and his father regarding his artistic path. This painting can also be seen as a representation of internal conflict. Cézanne is a key figure in Post-Impressionism, with notable Cubist and Fauvist influences.