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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.

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