Discovering French Impressionism: Monet, Renoir, and Degas

What is French Impressionism?

French Impressionism was an art movement born in France in the late 19th century. Instead of painting precise details, Impressionist painters wanted to capture an impression of a moment: the light, the colors, and the atmosphere.

Key characteristics of Impressionism:

• Bright and visible brushstrokes

• Focus on light and color

• Everyday life scenes: gardens, landscapes, and social gatherings

• Painting outdoors (en plein air)

  
  

  

  An impressionist painting captures a sunlit garden path surrounded by vibrant blooms and lush green foliage, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.

  
  

The name “Impressionism” comes from Claude Monet’s painting Impression, Sunrise (Impression, soleil levant).

Impressionism Founder, Claude Monet (1840–1926)

Monet is often called the father of Impressionism. He painted nature, gardens, and water scenes, focusing on how light changed at different times of the day.

Famous works:

• Impression, Sunrise (Impression, soleil levant)

• Water Lilies (Les Nymphéas)

• The Saint-Lazare Station (La Gare Saint-Lazare)

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919)

Renoir loved to show the joy of life. His paintings are full of warmth, smiles, and people enjoying themselves while dancing, eating, or playing music.

Famous works:

• Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette (Bal du moulin de la Galette)

• Luncheon of the Boating Party (Le Déjeuner des canotiers)

• Young Girl at the Piano (La Jeune fille au piano)

Edgar Degas (1834–1917)

Although associated with Impressionism, Degas considered himself more of a realist. He was fascinated by movement, especially dancers and horses, and also painted scenes of everyday Parisian life.

Famous works:

• The Dance Class (La Classe de danse)

• The Star (L’Étoile)

• The Ironers (Les Repasseuses)

  
  

Useful French Vocabulary for Learners

Here are some art-related French words that can enrich your vocabulary:

un peintre → a painter

un tableau / une toile → a painting / a canvas

une œuvre d’art → a work of art

un paysage → a landscape

un portrait → a portrait

un mouvement artistique → an artistic movement

Practice sentences:

« Monet a peint Impression, soleil levant. » (Monet painted Impression, Sunrise.)

« Renoir aimait peindre des scènes joyeuses. » (Renoir liked to paint joyful scenes.)

« Degas est célèbre pour ses danseuses. » (Degas is famous for his dancers.)

Why Learn French Through Art?

Studying French art is a tool for language learning. It helps you:

• Expand your French vocabulary

• Understand French culture and history

• Practice pronunciation with authentic words and phrases

  
  

Next time you see an Impressionist painting, try describing it in French. You’ll connect art and language in a fun way.

French Impressionism is about capturing life, light, and movement, exactly like learning a language: it’s about expressing yourself and enjoying the process.

Which painter inspires you the most: Monet, Renoir, or Degas?