Impressionists DVDs

Degas — The art of Hilaire-Germaine-Edgar Degas is familiar to many who know of his graceful ballet dancers. He was influenced by the painters of the Renaissance period, and admired the works of the painter Jean Auguste Ingres. In this program, art scholars analyse the work of this Impressionist, who captured the dancer in motion, and produced work, done mostly in pastels, depicting ballerinas on- and off-stage, at rest, and in groups. The program effectively combines images of his art with footage of the Royal Ballet of Birmingham, England.

Monet — This program examines the life and art of impressionist painter Claude Monet. The video delves into Monet's life and times to give the viewer a clear understanding of the man and his art. The artist's works are examined, and his individual style is carefully detailed. To better understand the artist, Monet's life is set in a historical context, allowing the viewer insight into the inspiration for his works. Monet's creative process is also examined. Commentary and analysis by Monet scholars adds to the experience, along with extensive and newly filmed footage of Monet's art.

Pissarro — The life and art of Camille Pissarro (1830–1903) are depicted in this documentary. The French painter Pissarro was one of the founders of the impressionist art movement, which replaced the dark pallette of traditional art with a lighter, more atmospheric treatment of subjects. These experiments met with critical and public derision, so Pissarro helped organize the first independent impressionist show of 1874. He was a great influence on other painters interested in the use of light and color. Georges Seurat, in particular, became his disciple in the technique of freely applied touches of broken color and the play of light to transform ordinary settings. The film includes location footage and commentary by art historians on this most fascinating of artistic genres.

Renoir — Pierre-Auguste Renoir was a comfortable, loving family man who depicted happiness and colorful beauty in his work. This DVD profiles the life and paintings of the artist who was one of the pioneers and stalwarts of what came to be labeled "impressionism." When first unveiled, the work of the Impressionists shocked the art world, which initially refused to accept the style as high art. This program discusses how Renoir’s now-famous painting, Le Moulin de la Galette (1876), shook up the art establishment with its dappled lighting technique.

Seurat — This program examines the life and art of impressionist painter Georges Seurat. It delves into his life and times to give the viewer a clear understanding of the man and his art. The artist’s works are examined in an historical context, and his individual style is carefully detailed. Seurat’s creative process is also examined. Commentary and analysis by Seurat scholars add to the experience, along with extensive and newly filmed footage of Seurat’s art.

Manet — Meet 19th century French painter Edouard Manet. Known as an experimental artist and innovator, Manet painted such commonplace figures as urchins, beggars, and café characters. In addition, he painted picturesque landscapes using bold lighting, simple colors, and vivid brushstrokes. Although his work inspired the Impressionist style, he did not label it as such. Expert analysis and commentary on Manet’s paintings further illuminate his life and career.