Post-Impressionism emerged as artists sought deeper meaning beyond Impressionism's fleeting moments. They used bolder colors and simplified forms to convey emotions and ideas. This shift laid the groundwork for modern art movements in the early 20th century.

Key artists like Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cézanne each developed unique styles. They used color, form, and composition to express inner worlds and explore spiritual themes, often drawing inspiration from non-Western art and cultures.

Post-Impressionism: Definition and Relationship to Impressionism

Post-Impressionism vs Impressionism

• Post-Impressionism emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction to Impressionism's focus on capturing fleeting moments and light effects
• Post-Impressionists maintained some Impressionist techniques like loose brushwork and bright colors but emphasized more subjective, expressive, and symbolic content
• Shifted focus from objective reality to inner emotions, personal experiences, and symbolic meanings (conveying artist's inner world)
• Used bolder colors, simplified forms, and expressive brushstrokes to convey ideas and emotions beyond surface appearances
• Laid the foundation for the development of modern art movements in the early 20th century (Fauvism, Expressionism)

Key Post-Impressionist Artists and Their Distinctive Styles

Styles of key Post-Impressionist artists

• Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
  • Expressive and emotive use of color and bold, dynamic brushstrokes (swirling, impasto technique)
  • Depicted landscapes, still lifes, and portraits with a sense of inner turmoil and psychological intensity ("The Starry Night", "Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear")
• Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)
  • Flat, simplified forms, bold outlines, and vivid colors inspired by non-Western art
  • Depicted scenes from his travels to Tahiti, focusing on the island's culture, spirituality, and natural beauty ("Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?")
• Paul Cézanne (1839-1906)
  • Reduced forms to basic geometric shapes and used color to create structure and depth
  • Bridged the gap between Impressionism and Cubism, influencing the development of modern art ("The Card Players", "Mont Sainte-Victoire" series)

Techniques for emotional expression

• Used color to express emotions and create symbolic meanings
  • Van Gogh's vibrant, contrasting colors conveyed his emotional state and energy (yellows for joy, blues for sadness)
  • Gauguin's use of color reflected his interest in non-Western art and spirituality (earth tones, bright pinks and purples)
• Simplified and distorted forms to emphasize subjective experiences and ideas
  • Cézanne's geometric reduction of forms laid the groundwork for Cubism (faceted planes)
  • Van Gogh's expressive brushstrokes and distorted forms conveyed his inner turmoil (undulating lines, exaggerated features)
• Composition guided viewer's eye and created a sense of narrative or symbolism
  • Gauguin's compositions featured symbolic elements and religious or mythological themes (Tahitian gods, Adam and Eve)
  • Van Gogh's compositions created a sense of movement and energy ("The Starry Night" swirling sky)

Non-Western influences on Post-Impressionism

• Paul Gauguin deeply influenced by non-Western art and spirituality
  • Traveled to Tahiti in search of a more "primitive" and authentic way of life
  • Incorporated elements of Tahitian culture, mythology, and spirituality into his paintings (tiki idols, Polynesian motifs)
  • Used bold, flat colors and simplified forms inspired by Japanese woodblock prints and Javanese batik textiles
• Vincent van Gogh influenced by Japanese art and philosophy
  • Collected and studied Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, which inspired his use of flat colors, bold outlines, and unconventional compositions
  • Incorporated elements of Japanese aesthetics into his work (emphasis on nature, beauty of everyday objects)
• Both artists sought to express deeper spiritual and philosophical meanings
  • Gauguin explored themes of the human condition, search for meaning, and relationship between nature and spirituality
  • Van Gogh's later paintings reflected his interest in the infinite, divine, and interconnectedness of all things ("The Starry Night" as a cosmic vision)