Hill-Stead Short Course – Impressionism: French Origins, American Afterlives

Few chapters in the history of modern art are more loved and revered, more foundational and debated than the story of French impressionism. The group of painters who initially brought this style of artmaking to world-wide fame was initially small but with each passing generation their supporters and followers have continued to grow. Now, more than 150 years after the first impressionist exhibition in Paris in 1874, the scholarship concerning this style of painting is so extensive that it is difficult to summarize. This short course of 6 lectures confronts this daunting situation head on by breaking impressionism down into key artists and themes central to the movement, focusing specifically on its original practitioners in France and those who later adopted the style in the United States. By analyzing the work of a celebrated French master like Edgar Degas alongside that of his American follower Everett Shinn, for instance, or the paintings of Pierre-Auguste Renoir in conjunction with those of William Glackens, the transatlantic ramifications of impressionism and the enduring power of Hill-Stead’s collection are clarified. No previous course work in art history is required and no background reading is assigned. An informal syllabus of additional reading, however, is provided for those who are interested. Each lecture will run about 45 minutes. The sessions will be followed by a Q&A. The sessions at 6pm will begin with wine and cheese at 5:30pm. The sessions at 3pm will begin with coffee and goodies at 2:30pm.