What is the difference between impressionism and post-impressionism in art?

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What is the difference between impressionism and post-impressionism in art?

Impressionism and post-impressionism are two distinct art movements that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While both movements were a reaction against the traditional academic art of the time, they differ in their approach and artistic goals.

Impressionism, which originated in France in the 1860s, sought to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere in a spontaneous and immediate manner. Impressionist artists, such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, focused on depicting the visual sensations of a particular moment, often using loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors. They aimed to convey the transient nature of reality and the subjective experience of the artist.

On the other hand, post-impressionism emerged in the 1880s as a response to the limitations of impressionism. Post-impressionist artists, including Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne, sought to explore deeper emotional and symbolic meanings in their work. They moved away from the emphasis on capturing fleeting impressions and instead focused on expressing their own subjective interpretations of reality. Post-impressionists experimented with form, color, and perspective, often distorting or exaggerating these elements to convey their inner experiences and emotions.

In summary, while impressionism aimed to capture the immediate visual sensations of a moment, post-impressionism delved deeper into the artist's subjective interpretation of reality, exploring emotional and symbolic aspects.