What is the historical background that brought the impressionists together?

Answer 1

They were not really "together." They were a loosely associated group who were unified by the label, "Impressionists." Many movements seem unified after history groups and labels them. Impressionism is an ideational umbrella, like 'existentialism', that is a way to view larger movements. In reality, the impressionists were many distinct groups and partnerships of artists who did not all work together the way history makes it sound. There was a manifesto and a definition for the movement but we should focus on individual works and artists within the movement instead of labelling from outside. This is somewhat of a tricky business.

Answer 2

Actually impressionist painters were a group of young-artists, who, avoided the conventional approach of surface treatment and followed the scientific theory of light. We know that from a source the light comes on a surface of an object and the object reflects the light to us. So we can see the object. So at the first glance we can not see the details but can feel the reflection. Impressionists like Monet, Manet or Degas actually tried to execute the true sense of light. We know that LIGHT can show us the TRUTH. As the galleries of that period did not allowed these new ideas of this group of Paris based artists they arranged their first show in a salon. One of the paintings of Manet was entitled as IMPRESSION. However, the critics ridiculed this show and the group, as impressionists. Gradually , it became an identity for these artists.

Answer 3

Not totally sure, but I think Impressionist painting began because the involved artists were tired of the rigid style of art and subject matter that had been popular for so long. They wanted a freedom in their painting and a more imaginative way to paint. I for one love it!!

Answer 4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impressionists