Japonisme

Japonisme

Artistic Movements, Periods and Styles in 5 Points

Japonisme

Japonisme is a French term that refers to the influence of Japanese art on Western art (mainly on the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists) in the 19th century. It is a really important influence: modern painting was being born.
The craze for Japonisme took place in the second half of the 19th century with the arrival of ukiyo-e prints, which represent simple scenes with a lot of spontaneity. Something that definitely inspired the impressionists.
The curious thing is that these prints might have been painted a century earlier (18th century).
The main characteristics that influenced European painting are: the use of flat and vibrant colors, usually outlined with a thick black border; the lack of concern for perspective; the absence of shadows; off-center framing that generates a sense of spontaneity and movement; sharp drawing, and a lot of synthesis. (European painting was in a very realistic period, so these features were revolutionary). The themes were the exaltation of nature, everyday life and ordinary activities, and also social gatherings.
We have chosen this famous painting by Van Gogh as an illustration, since the Japanese print with tree branches in the foreground is very common in that “exaltation of nature” we were talking about. Of course, the most important legacy of Japonisme that we can observe in all of Van Gogh’s work is his provocative use of color.

Image: Almond Blossom (1890) Van Gogh

Most Admired Japanese Artists: Utamaro, Okusai, Iroshige. They all lived in the 18th century.

Some artists who admired Japonisme: Manet, Monet, Degas, Bernard, Anquetin, Cézanne, Lautrec, Van Gogh, Gauguin.

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