Impressionism
marked a significant change in art history. The artists of this movement
seriously questioned conventional art form, and dramatically changed
the direction of modern art. They broke away from tradition by painting
outdoors, using different colors, and creating lighter palettes. In
the later half of the nineteenth century, the Impressionists struggled
to have their work accepted by the Official Salons. In their quest to
paint landscapes and contemporary life, the Impressionists broke with
over four centuries of tradition and departed with such classical themes
as religion and history. Because no other group of artists prior to
the Impressionists had challenged their predecessors, their struggle
to gain credibility was great. Despite scathing comments from critics,
the artists continued to work diligently to preserve their "new way"
of art. Today, the Impressionist movement is considered one of the most
beloved periods in the history of art.