Claude Monet
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Art history loves milestones that mark the beginnings of new genres, and this is one of the strongest ones. Today we present the painting that started Impressionism—Impression, Sunrise. It became legendary when first shown at what would become known as the "Exhibition of the Impressionists" in Paris in April 1874. It depicts the port of Le Havre, Monet's hometown. The artist claimed that he titled the painting Impression, Sunrise due to his hazy painting style in his depiction of the subject: "They asked me for a title for the catalogue, it couldn't really be taken for a view of Le Havre, and I said: 'Put Impression.'" In addition to this, some art historians claim that Monet might have named the painting Impression to excuse his painting from accusations of being unfinished or lacking descriptive detail. Well, Monet received these criticisms regardless of the title; the critics hated the painting. But at the end you know who was right (and rich, and became an eternal genius in the eyes of the art lovers)! ;)
P.S. Discover our Impressionism stories about artists and masterpieces you didn't know. <3