Many American artists flocked to France after the Civil War, mostly in search of instruction, critical acclaim and patronage. In Paris, they trained under the influence of the École des Beaux-Arts and studied the “old master” works at the Louvre but then went beyond traditional practices to experiment with new ideas and techniques.
Some of them became highly admired in the French Press and advanced their careers on both sides of the Atlantic while others found success working in the style of the French Impressionists like Mary Cassatt. By the end of the 19th century, these artists had created an identifiably American Impressionism, creating a distinct national style.
In this lecture on American Impressionists, we examine the rich variety and complexity of American painting in the advent of modernism, as French avant-garde philosophies and styles melded with American individualism.