The Emergence of Modern Art in Europe (1850 -1885): From Millet and Courbet to the Impressionists.

This 10-week course explores the birth of modern art in Europe, from the Realism of Millet and Courbet to the radical innovations of the Impressionists. As industrialisation, social reform, and political upheavals—such as the 1848 revolutions, the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, and the movement for women’s rights—reshaped society, artists responded with bold new approaches. Figures like Manet, Monet, and Degas broke with tradition, capturing modern life with fresh techniques and perspectives, often shocking audiences. The infamous Salon des Refusés of 1863 revealed the growing divide between the avant-garde and academic norms. Women artists, including Rosa Bonheur, Elizabeth Thompson, and Berthe Morisot, played a significant role in this transformation, challenging conventions and redefining artistic subjects. We’ll also examine the impact of photography, which altered artistic vision, and the profound influence of Japanese prints (Japanism), which introduced asymmetry, bold colours, and new compositional approaches. Through close analysis of these ground-breaking artists and their works, in connection with the historical context, we’ll trace the emergence of modernism and its lasting impact on the Art World.