In this article, we will explore the key characteristics of Post-Impressionism, its major artists and artworks, and its lasting impact on the art world.
Post-Impressionism Art: Beyond Impressionism
Emerging in the late 19th century, Post-Impressionism encompassed a variety of styles that challenged the optical focus and naturalism of Impressionism. Seeking more structure, symbolism, and personal expression, Post-Impressionists emphasized abstract qualities over observable reality. While united in their reaction against Impressionism, Post-Impressionist artists pursued highly individualistic styles. Leading figures included Georges Seurat, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne and Paul Gauguin.
Let's start with the post-impressionism definition. The term "Post-Impressionism" was coined by British artist and critic Roger Fry in 1910, bringing together a diverse group of late 19th-century painters. Rejecting Impressionism's spontaneity and preoccupation with light, these artists sought to imbue more structure, emotion and meaning in their work. Movements like Pointillism, Cloisonnism, Synthetism, and Symbolism all emerged under the umbrella of Post-Impressionism.
Henri-Edmond Cross (1856–1910)
Post-Impressionism Characteristics
Post-Impressionist art revealed a shift away from optical realism towards personal expression. While retaining representational elements, artists increasingly emphasized abstract visual language. Strong outlines and colors helped create structure, order and symbolism within the artwork. Memory, emotions, dreams, and the subconscious often inspired Post-Impressionist themes over direct observation. By exaggerating or distorting shapes, spatial relationships and color, artists sought to convey inner truths. Figures and landscapes became vehicles for symbolic meaning and subjective vision.
Painting techniques involved thickly applied, expressive brushwork as opposed to the delicate blending of Impressionism. The visible brushstroke itself carried force and meaning. Bold, arbitrary colors were chosen for emotional impact rather than naturalistic effect. Overall, communicating the artist's inner state took precedence over reproducing nature.
Let's explore the key post-impressionism art characteristics:
Emphasis on emotional expression and personal experience;
Use of bold, vivid colors and thick brushstrokes;
Rejection of realistic representation in favor of symbolic or abstract forms;
Exploration of new techniques and styles beyond Impressionism;
Influence from non-Western art, such as Japanese prints and African sculpture;
Focus on the individual artist's perspective and interpretation of the world;
Experimentation with different media, such as pastels, watercolors, and printmaking;
Depiction of everyday life and ordinary subjects in a new, innovative way;
Breaking away from traditional artistic conventions and rules.
Vincent van Gogh. Starry Night Over the Rhône, 1888
Post-Impressionist Artists and ArtWorks
Georges Seurat developed Pointillism, building form and color through tiny dots of paint. In A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte (1884), he created an ordered composition that explored optical color blending. Paul Signac expanded on this technique through works like In the Time of Harmony (1895).
Vincent van Gogh created emotionally charged, symbolic landscapes like The Starry Night (1889) as well as self-portraits that revealed his inner turmoil. His dramatic brushwork and color conveyed deep passion and imagination.
Paul Gauguin rejected naturalism in favor of flat shapes, strong outlines and symbolism. His Vision after the Sermon (1888) displayed this new, abstracted style as well as his interest in spirituality. His search for the exotic led him to Tahiti, where he created works like Two Tahitian Women (1899). Paul Cézanne aimed to distill nature into basic shapes and planes, especially the cube, sphere and cone. This geometric approach created ordered, abstract landscapes and still lives. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec blended abstraction with realism in poster designs and paintings of Montmartre nightlife.
Post-Impressionism Art Examples
Post-Impressionists often created studies and sketches to explore new ways of structuring compositions. Rather than spontaneously capturing a scene, they prepared subjects carefully to reveal symbolic elements. Line and color were used expressively to evoke emotions. Subjects stemmed from imagination, memory and inner life rather than direct observation. Landscapes became vessels for moods while portraits aimed to capture inner character. Through simplification and exaggeration, Post-Impressionists sought timeless, universal qualities.
By broadening the palette and loosening brushwork, Post-Impressionists gained greater freedom of expression. Distinct brush marks summoned energy and movement. Color patterns created rhythm while thick paint added tactile dimension. Overall, conveying the artist's personal vision took priority over accurately depicting nature.
Charles Laval (1862–1894)
Post-Impressionism Art Movement Legacy
Post-Impressionism proved revolutionary in modern art. Its structured approach to painting inspired Cubism, Fauvism and Futurism. Expressive use of color profoundly influenced Expressionism and Abstract art. Emphasis on emotion, symbolism and imagination opened the door to new genres like Metaphysical and Surrealist art.
Post-Impressionists also inspired renewed interest in "primitive" cultures and non-Western art. Their expansive approach to subject matter and materials influenced generations of 20th century artists. Today, the approach to abstracted form and symbolic content pioneered by Post-Impressionists remains deeply ingrained in modern artistic practice.
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