The 19th and 20th centuries were transformative periods in the history of fine art, marked by the break away from traditional styles of painting. These centuries witnessed the birth of movements that redefined artistic expression, laying the foundation of modern and contemporary art. The 19th century, there was a shift from Romanticism to Realism and ultimately to impressionism, each movement pushing the boundaries of how art could capture our world. Romanticism, with its emphasis on emotion and nature’s sublime power, gave way to Realism, where artists like Gustave Courbet (1819-1877) sought to portray everyday life with honesty and precision. However, it was impressionism that truly revolutionised the art world. Artists like Claude Monet (1840-1926) who broke away from the constraints of realism to explore light, colour and atmosphere in unique ways. Their focus on capturing the vibrancy and energy of everyday life sets Impressionists apart from their traditional predecessors. The early 20th century continued this new way of painting. The rise of Modernism brought forth a wave of avant-garde movements that challenged conventional aesthetics and embraced abstraction. Cubism – guided by figures such as Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) – deconstructed forms into geometric shapes, fundamentally altering the perception of space and form. Expressionism offered a stark contrast, with artists such as Edvard Munch (1863-1944) using distorted forms and bold colours to convey deep emotional experiences and social critique. As the century progressed, movements such as Surrealism delved into the unconscious mind and creating dreamlike images, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
These are just a few of the artistic movements of the time – all the social change during these centuries having an inevitable impact on the world of art. With a collection that will excite and inspire you, we hope to tempt you.
