Impressionism and Expressionism - Essay Example

Anthropology Impressionism and Expressionism A distinct relationship between Expressionist and Impressionist artworks exists. This relationship is evident in works of art produced by renowned artists from each era. Vincent van Gogh and Jozef Israels have pieces of art that portray this relationship. Vincent made impressionist artworks while Israels’ composed expressionist works, which was during the late 1880s (Thomas Edison State College 2011).While in Nuenen, Holland at his father’s lodge, Vincent composed “Potato Eaters.

” This painting is the first of his works that reveals influences from the farmhand descriptions of Jozef Israels. In “Potato Eaters,” Vincent even reveals this influence and defines Israels as the "the Dutch Millet.”Jozef Israels’ “Peasant Family at Table” 1882Vincent van Gogh’s “Potato Eaters” 1885Vincent reveals his admiration for a painter of anglers and small-scale farmers who he referred to as “Dutch Millets.” Between Vincent’s “Potato Eaters” and Israels’ “Peasant Family at Table,” Vincent was clearly inspired to compose his own idea of a small-scale farmer’s dinner setting (Thomas Edison State College 2011).

In terms of composition styles, “Potato Eaters” reflects Israels’ subject and style of art. At the same time, “Potato Eaters” has darker shades, animpasto paint textures, and more inspiration from Rembrandt’s tenebrism. Tenebrism is a style of portraiture used by Caravaggio and his successors wherein several objects are vibrant in terms of color while the rest of the painting has dense shadows. Tenebrism remains an impressionist style of painting (Thomas Edison State College 2011).

In “Potato Eaters,” the point of view is skewed. This is evident in the sudden receding of ceiling beams. The askew nature of the paining shows Vincent’s naiveté and originality at the same time. This is also a major similarity between “Potato Eaters” and Israels’ “Peasant Family at Table.”Vincent’s naiveté possibly radiates his passion for producing his own versions of artworks by expressionist artists. For instance, in “Potato Eaters,” the peasants have crossed hands and knotted fingers that depict serious joint paints, which most likely originated from heavy manual work (Thomas Edison State College 2011).

The peasants’ folds and skin creases in their worn-out cloths appear to hold back some heavy, internal energy. A crucifixion picture hangs on the wall and a clock appears too unstable and may fall off instead of stay fixed. Such tense energy is present in Israels’ artworks. This energy is a genuine but unemotional difference to its gravity and calmness. The family of peasants in “Peasant Family at Table” just has coffee and potatoes to consume after a hard day’s work at the farm.Impressionism allowed Vincent to compose a painting in a manner that viewers may view it if they just had a brief look at the subject.

A majority of impressionist artworks exhibit outdoor scenarios composed in rich colors with no stress on elements. On the other hand, expressionism allowed Israels to portray his feelings and personal perspectives in his artworks. In the process, expressionists exhibit biased truths instead of realism (Thomas Edison State College 2011). Expressionism artists like Israels may integrate fantasy and aggression in the themes of their artworks in an effort to reveal the extremes of sentiment.Works CitedThomas Edison State College.

From Realism to Impressionism. 2011. YouTube. Web. 2014, June 27.