The Start of Impressionism

The Impressionist Era began with the fragmentation of society be the Franco-Prussian War, where France was beaten. The movement started in France in about 1870. The painters who started painting with a new style, contrary to basic renaissance style were Monet, Degas, Pissaro, and Renoir. Most impressionist painters took traditional art lessons in good art schools before painting in impressionistic way. Most of these painters were good friends that worked side by side.

This is one of Monet's self portraits