Monet
France has made great, historical contributions to art through the years and has brought worldwide acclaim to such well-known artists as Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Degas and Renoir. The French artists of the Impressionist period enjoyed much success and paved the way for public acceptance of more modern Post-Impressionist styles.
Edouard Manet (1832-1883)
Manet's work inspired those of the Impressionist art movement with emphasis on brush strokes rather than realism. His modern depiction of nudes and sexuality caused quite a stir. Some called his "Luncheon on the Grass" (which features a naked woman outdoors sitting with two fully-clothed men) scandalous, while others respected its brilliance. Other Manet pieces include "Olympia" and "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère."
Edgar Degas (1834-1917)
Degas was a master of capturing the beauty of motion in his paintings. His works of female ballet dancers became some of his most famous pieces. Race horses were also a favorite subject. In his later works, he turned to a love of pastels and sculpture. Degas works include "The Cotton Exchange at New Orleans" and "At the Races in the Country."
Claude Monet (1840-1926)
Monet spearheaded the Impressionist art movement--named after one of his paintings, "Impression: Sunrise." His works represented his love of capturing the beauty of the outdoors on canvas and are included in acclaimed galleries throughout the world. Famous Monet pieces include the "Waterlilies" series, the "Rouen Cathedral" series and "Women in the Garden."
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919)
Renoir was associated with Impressionism, although his later works strayed toward a more formal representation of portraits and figures. His works captured his love of colorful, beautiful scenes and the beauty of a woman's figure. Renoir works include "The Umbrellas," "The Bathers" series and "Lady at the Piano."
Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)
Gauguin was a Post-Impressionist leader who abandoned realism in favor of color and expressionism. His flat paintings use distinct planes of bold, solid colors, and his emphasis on conceptualization paved the way for 20th-century modern art. Famous Gauguin works include "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?," "The Yellow Christ" and "Vision After the Sermon."
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901)
Toulouse-Lautrec was famous for his depictions of the bold, liveliness of Paris nightlife. His short stature (with a normal size trunk and abnormally short legs) led to incessant teasing and a terrible drinking problem, which greatly shortened his life. His paintings and posters of the Moulin Rouge are highly sought-after pieces of artwork.
Henri Matisse (1869-1954)
Matisse was considered a leader of the Fauvist art movement, although his artwork explored the realm of Impressionism, abstraction and other styles. His strong use of color to express emotion and define his subjects garnered him the label of one of the most influential 20th century artists. Some famous Matisse pieces include "Portrait of Madame Matisse" and "Woman with a Hat."
Georges Braque (1882-1963)
Braque was a leading figure in the cubism art movement, along with Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Many of his subjects were reduced down to geometric shapes and basic cube forms in more subdued, neutral colors. Famous Braque works include "Violin and Pitcher," "Terrace of Hotel Mistral" and "Castle at La Roche-Guyon."
