Art Analysis Worksheet: Part Two
Context
Name of Artwork: Impression Sunrise
Artist: Claude Monet
Year created: 1872
Where it is located (physical museum or gallery): Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris
Website (hyperlink to the artwork): https://www.marmottan.fr/en/collections/claude-monet/
Monet, Claude, Impression Sunrise, 1872, Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris
Insert Image of Artwork Here:
CONTEXT: What does the artwork mean?
Now that you have described and analysed the artwork, you will determine the context. Art
communicates aspects of the culture and time (zeitgeist) in which it was made. It contains themes,
stories, and ideas of the society in which it was created. The best way to begin the research into the
context is to ask the questions below.
Find the answers in scholarly sources, historical documents, and museum websites. Cite all sources
you use, even if you do not quote them directly.
1. Sources: (List sources here using MLA citation. Minimum of three sources. Wiki sources
and blogs are not reliable sources and should NOT be in the citations or quoted but are
a great starting point to find reliable sources.)
Breuer, Karin. Japanesque : The Japanese Print in the Era of Impressionism. 2010,
ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BB05274423.
Heinrich, Christoph, and Claude Monet. “Claude Monet, 1840-1926 : Capturing the
Ever-changing Face of Reality.”BTaschen eBooks, 2011,Bci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BB14545146.
Guth, Christine, et al.BJapan and Paris: Impressionism, Postimpressionism, and the
Modern Era. University of Washington Press, 2004.
2. Intention:
a. Why did the artist create this work? Monet was driven by a desire to explore the
nuances of light and color, reflecting the changing qualities of nature.
“Impression Sunrise” exemplifies the core principles of Impressionism,
emphasizing the importance of perception over precise representation.
b. What was its purpose? (For example, was it meant to decorate a church or was it
made for an exhibition?) The purpose of “Impression Sunrise” was likely twofold:
it served as both an artistic exploration and a submission for the first
Impressionist exhibition in 1874. Monet and his contemporaries sought to break
away from traditional academic art, and this painting became a manifesto of
sorts for the movement.
c. Was it commissioned and by whom? “Impression Sunrise” was not commissioned;
rather, it was created as part of the burgeoning Impressionist movement, which
aimed to showcase new ideas in art outside of the traditional salon system.
3. Background information:
A. The Artist
1. Where was the artist born and in what year? Claude Monet was born in Paris,
France, in 1840.
2. How was the artist trained and by whom? (In other words, how did the artist learn
their skillset of painting, drawing, etc.?) Monet was primarily self-taught but
also studied under various artists, including Charles Gleyre, who influenced
his style. His training involved a combination of formal education and
practical experience, as he honed his skills through observation and
experimentation.
3. What year was the piece of art made? “Impression Sunrise” was created in
1872.
4. Where was the artist living when he made this piece of art? At the time of
creating this piece, Monet was living in Le Havre, a port city in Normandy,
France.
5. What other artworks did the artist create during this time? During the time Monet
created "Impression Sunrise" in 1872, he produced a number of other notable
works that contributed to the Impressionist movement, including "Woman
with a Parasol" and "The Japanese Bridge." These works capture his
fascination with light and atmosphere, themes that are prevalent throughout
his oeuvre.
6. What were the artist’s religious beliefs, theologies, or philosophies? Monet's
religious beliefs seem to have been complex and somewhat ambiguous. While
he did not adhere strictly to traditional Christian beliefs, he was influenced by
the natural world, which he often portrayed in his art. His philosophies
leaned towards an appreciation of nature and the transient effects of light,
suggesting a kind of spirituality found in the beauty of the world around him
rather than in organized religion.
7. Find out what other artists or groups he/she worked with. Monet was associated
with a group of revolutionary artists who would eventually be known as the
Impressionists, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, and Edgar
Degas. These artists often collaborated, critiqued each other’s work, and
exhibited together, significantly shaping the course of modern art.
8. Record any interesting facts about this artwork you find. An interesting fact
about "Impression Sunrise" is that the term "Impressionism" was derived
from this very painting. It was initially criticized by art critics when it was
first exhibited, leading to the coining of the term as a derogatory label for the
movement. However, this painting has since become a hallmark of
Impressionism and is celebrated for its loose brushwork and innovative
approach to color and light.
9. Research what artistic influences the artist had, including other artists, movements,
styles, (or literature and philosophy) before or during the time the artist created
this artwork. Monet was influenced by various artistic movements and styles,
including Romanticism and Realism, as well as the works of artists like
Eugène Boudin and Johan Barthold Jongkind, who encouraged him to paint
en plein air (outdoors). Additionally, the influence of Japanese art,
particularly woodblock prints, is evident in his compositions and use of color.
The philosophy of capturing the momentary effects of light and atmosphere
can also be traced back to the writings of contemporaneous thinkers who
emphasized experience and perception.
B. The Zeitgeist
1. What historical events or situations were occurring before and during this time
where the artist lived? (Do not include something that happened after the
artwork’s date, this should focus on the events in the place the artist lived.)
During the time Monet lived, particularly in the late 19th century, Europe
was undergoing significant changes. The Industrial Revolution was in full
swing, leading to urbanization and technological advancements. In France,
this period was marked by social upheaval, including the aftermath of the
Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), which had profound effects on national
identity and political stability.
2. What political events were occurring during this time and place? Politically,
France was experiencing a tumultuous time with the establishment of the
Third Republic in 1870. This new government faced various challenges,
including political corruption, economic disparity, and the rise of socialist
movements. Monet’s work can be seen as a reaction to these changes,
capturing the shifting landscapes of a rapidly industrializing society.
3. Describe the economic situation of the time. Economically, the late 19th century
was characterized by a mix of prosperity and struggle. While Paris was
becoming a cultural hub and the bourgeoisie were flourishing, many working-
class individuals faced hardships due to industrial labor conditions. This
economic disparity is reflected in the art of the time, as artists like Monet
sought to depict both the beauty of nature and the impact of industrialization.
4. What were the modes of communication that were available at the time? How
were people informed about events and how did they communicate to each other?
In terms of communication, the late 19th century was still heavily reliant on
print media. Newspapers and pamphlets were essential for disseminating
information, and the rise of photography began to change how people viewed
the world. Artists communicated their ideas and experiences through
exhibitions and art movements, such as Impressionism, which Monet was a
key figure in. This movement challenged traditional artistic norms and sought
to capture the fleeting effects of light and color, much like how people were
beginning to communicate more fluidly and dynamically in their lives.
5. Were there any religious events or movements occurring at the time and place the
artist created this piece? What was the belief system of the society? In terms of
religious events or movements, the late 19th century in France was marked by
a shift towards secularism, particularly during and after the Franco-Prussian
War (1870-71). The traditional Catholic Church's influence was waning in
urban areas, giving rise to more secular beliefs and a focus on individual
experience. This change in belief systems can be seen in the way artists like
Monet sought to capture the transient effects of light and color, perhaps
reflecting a more personal, subjective understanding of the world rather than
a religious or dogmatic one.
6. What was going on culturally in the time and place? (Art, music, social events,
etc.) Culturally, this period was vibrant with the emergence of Impressionism,
which challenged the established norms of art. There was a significant move
towards capturing modern life, and the Impressionists often painted en plein
air, or outdoors, to capture the essence of their surroundings. Music was also
evolving, with composers like Claude Debussy beginning to emerge, whose
works paralleled the Impressionist movement in visual arts. Socially, the rise
of the middle class and the expansion of Paris as a center of culture and
innovation played a crucial role in shaping artistic expressions.
7. What technological advances were happening? Technological advances during
this time included the invention of paint in tubes, which allowed artists to
paint outdoors more easily. This facilitated the en plein air technique that
Impressionists favored. Additionally, advancements in photography were
influencing artists to experiment with composition and light in new ways, as
they moved away from the detailed realism of earlier art forms.
8. What artistic movement or style is this artwork a part of? “Impression Sunrise" is
a quintessential example of the Impressionist movement, characterized by its
loose brushwork, emphasis on light, and focus on capturing a moment in time
rather than a detailed depiction of reality. The painting's title itself reflects
the movement's desire to convey an impression of a scene rather than a
meticulously rendered image.
9. What other artistic movements were happening during this time? During this
period, other artistic movements such as Post-Impressionism were beginning
to take shape, with artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne pushing
the boundaries of Impressionism into new territories. Additionally,
Symbolism was gaining traction, emphasizing emotional experience and the
use of symbols in art, which contrasted with the more immediate observations
of the Impressionists.
10. Is this piece supporting or opposing anything during this time? (Art often is a
result of supporting or opposing a historical, religious, social, political, or
cultural event. Sometimes it is opposing or embracing a previous art movement.)
In my opinion, this piece can be seen as both supporting and opposing various
movements and ideas of its time. On one hand, it embraces the emerging
Impressionist movement, which sought to break away from the strict
conventions of realism and academic painting that dominated the art world in
the 19th century. Monet's focus on light, color, and the fleeting effects of
nature reflects a desire to capture the essence of a moment rather than a
detailed representation, which was a significant shift in artistic philosophy.
4. Narrative content:
Research what narrative the artwork is telling. ? (You should look up the movement it is a part
of and what the other artist at the time, creating similar artwork were communicating.)
What is the story and the meaning? "Impression Sunrise" depicts the harbor of Le Havre,
Monet's hometown, at sunrise. The painting conveys the beauty of natural light and its
transient qualities, illustrating how the environment can evoke emotions and sensations.
The loose brushwork and vibrant colors create an ethereal atmosphere, suggesting that
the scene is more about the feeling of the moment rather than a detailed representation.
Monet, along with his contemporaries, was moving away from realism to focus on
capturing the essence of light, color, and atmosphere. This shift tells a story of a
changing world, one that embraces the fleeting nature of experience.
Is there a moral message? While the painting may not present an explicit moral message,
it invites contemplation on the impermanence of life and beauty. The Impressionist
movement, as a whole, emphasized the importance of living in the moment and
appreciating the natural world. This can resonate with viewers on a personal level,
encouraging them to find beauty in their everyday experiences.
Is it communicating an artist’s perception or experience? The artwork is undoubtedly a
reflection of Monet's perception and experience. It captures his fascination with light
and color and his desire to depict nature as he experienced it. Monet often painted en
plein air, directly from nature, which allowed him to immerse himself in the changing
conditions of light and atmosphere. This approach not only shaped his work but also
connects it to the broader theme of subjective experience in the Impressionist
movement, where artists sought to convey their personal interpretations of the world
around them.
5. Symbolic content:
Research what symbolic content is present in this piece of art. (Often symbolism is dependent
on the time and culture in which the artist lived. Be sure to consider and research what type
of symbolism was common during the historical period of the artwork and the symbolism the
artist may have used repeatedly in other work.) Monet's "Impression, Sunrise," completed
in 1872, is often interpreted as a reflection of the transition from the traditional art
forms to modernity, as well as a representation of the fleeting nature of light and
atmosphere. One significant aspect of symbolism in this piece is the emphasis on light
and color, which can be seen as a metaphor for change and the impermanence of life.
The painting captures the early morning light over the port of Le Havre, suggesting a
new beginning or a fresh start, which resonates with the optimism of the era as
industrialization began to reshape society.
In the context of the time, the late 19th century was marked by significant social and
technological changes, including the rise of Impressionism as a reaction against the rigid
conventions of academic art. Monet, along with other Impressionists, often employed
light and color to convey emotion and atmosphere, moving away from detailed realism.
This approach speaks to a broader symbolic content in the Impressionist movement,
where artists sought to capture the essence of a moment rather than its precise details.
6. Informed Judgment
a. After researching this artwork, what is your informed judgment about the message of
the artwork? What is the message, story, emotion, or idea that this piece was
communicating? In my opinion, "Impression Sunrise" communicates a sense of
transience and the beauty of fleeting moments. The loose brushwork and the
play of light across the canvas evoke the feeling of dawn breaking over the
harbor in Le Havre, suggesting that life is full of ephemeral experiences. The
warm colors contrasting with the cooler tones create an emotional resonance of
hope and renewal as the sun rises, symbolizing new beginnings. This aligns with
my belief that art should capture the essence of human experience and emotions,
allowing viewers to connect with their own moments of beauty and change.
b. Did your opinion change after you researched the background of the artist and this
piece of art? Was it enhanced in any way? My opinion was indeed enhanced after
researching Monet's background and the context in which he created this piece.
Understanding that "Impression, Sunrise" was pivotal in the Impressionist
movement gave me insight into Monet's intention to break away from traditional
artistic conventions. His desire to capture the effects of light and atmosphere
resonates with my own appreciation for nature and the fleeting moments that
often go unnoticed. Knowing that this painting was originally met with criticism
helps contextualize its revolutionary nature, encouraging me to reflect on how
art often challenges societal norms and perceptions.
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