Overview

Immerse yourself in the radiant color and light of the Post-Impressionist painters. This course, designated as Course No. 70020, explores how Post-Impressionism forever changed the language, conception, and methods of painting. It provided viewers with new ways of perceiving and understanding visual experiences, resulting in an astonishing number of the most beloved paintings in art history.

Course Description

These 24 visually thrilling lectures take you deeply into the Post-Impressionists’ extraordinary world of color and light. Within the wide spectrum of painters covered, you’ll look in-depth at the work of:

• Paul Cézanne: Observe how Cézanne distilled subject matter to essential underlying forms and painted objects from multiple angles, opening new ways of seeing.

• Georges Seurat: Track the process by which Seurat pioneered the technique of pointillism, where colors applied separately on the canvas are blended by the viewer’s eye.

• Vincent van Gogh: Witness how Van Gogh’s passionate and troubled spirit led to paintings of searing visual intensity and glorious color.

• Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: Go behind the scenes of Toulouse-Lautrec’s dazzling, iconic paintings of Parisian nightlife.

• Paul Gauguin: Come to grips with the greatness of Gauguin’s work, from his early landscapes and still lifes to his luminous, mystical evocations of Tahitian life.

• Gustav Klimt: From his glowing portraits of beautiful society women to his symbol-rich, golden-toned canvasses, see how Klimt straddled Post-Impressionism and Art Nouveau.

In addition to the most iconic painters within Post-Impressionism, you’ll explore a rich range of lesser-known artists, as well as key sub-movements, such as Neo-Impressionism, the Nabis, and Symbolism. These richly informative lectures rest on the exceptional knowledge, insight, and artist’s eye of Professor Allman, providing revealing views of the paintings from an artist’s perspective. In “Post-Impressionism: The Beginnings of Modern Art,” you’ll relive a breathtaking era in painting, whose deep impact on aesthetics and visual culture continues to resonate today.

Course Outline

• Where Post-Impressionism Began

Begin with a broad look at the Post-Impressionists as a daring new movement in art during a time of massive change. (28 min)

• The Founder, Paul Cézanne

Explore Cézanne’s revolutionary impact on painting, his artistic education, and his friendship with Camille Pissarro. (25 min)

• Paul Cézanne’s New Way of Seeing

Follow Cézanne’s career and his groundbreaking experimentation with perspective and space. (27 min)

• How Science and Industry Are Changing Art

Learn about the impact of the Industrial Revolution and new technologies on artists’ lives and work. (26 min)

• Camille Pissarro’s Experiments in Style

Trace Pissarro’s life and the evolution of his techniques as he transitioned from Impressionism to Post-Impressionism. (25 min)

• Georges Seurat’s Vision of the People

Witness Seurat’s invention of divisionism and his iconic works depicting Belle Époque Paris. (26 min)

• Politics and Religion on the Canvas

Delve into the political and religious upheavals of late 19th-century France and their impact on art. (28 min)

• Divisionism: Using the Science of Color

Discover how artists used Seurat’s principles to promote political ideals through their art. (26 min)

9. Japanese Influence and Les Nabis

Explore the Nabis’ spiritual approach to art and the influence of Japanese art on Post-Impressionism. (26 min)

• Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s Paris by Night

Trace Toulouse-Lautrec's artistic journey and his unique portrayal of Paris nightlife. (26 min)

• How Photography Is Transforming Art

Investigate the influence of photography on painting and the new possibilities it created. (25 min)

• The Singular Talent, Vincent van Gogh

Take an intimate look at Van Gogh's early life and his journey to artistic greatness. (24 min)

• Van Gogh’s Genius and Tragedy

Examine Van Gogh's transformation through his experiences and the impact of his mental illness. (27 min)

• Cloisonnism: Bold Colors and Dark Contours

Encounter the artists of Cloisonnism and their distinctive use of color and form. (25 min)

15. Paul Gauguin’s Complicated Legacy

Explore Gauguin's artistic evolution and the complexities of his personal life. (28 min)

• Suzanne Valadon’s Rebellious Vision

Uncover Valadon’s journey as a painter in a male-dominated world and her impactful work. (26 min)

• How Philosophy and Culture Are Shaping Art

Grasp the philosophical influences on Post-Impressionist artists and their work. (29 min)

• Symbolism: Dreams and Metaphors

Discover how Symbolist artists used imagery to express deeper truths and critique society. (27 min)

• Odilon Redon’s Fantastic Worlds

Study Redon’s eccentric style and the transformation of his work over time. (27 min)

• Henri Rousseau’s Jungles of the Mind

Assess Rousseau’s unique style and his imaginative depictions of jungles and landscapes. (25 min)

• Post-Impressionism beyond France

Explore the global influence of Post-Impressionism on artists from various countries. (28 min)

22. Edvard Munch’s Emotional Palette

Observe how Munch channeled personal tragedy into his dreamlike imagery. (27 min)

23. Gustav Klimt’s Journey to Art Nouveau

Travel through Klimt's artistic evolution and his fascination with portraying women. (27 min)

• Why Post-Impressionism Matters

Conclude with a look at the transition from Post-Impressionism to modern art and its lasting impact. (36 min)