Throughout history, there have been numerous artistic movements which have challenged the traditions of art and changed the ways in which art is created and viewed. However, of these movements, none have been as revolutionary and ground-breaking as Modernism. Modernism, a period from the eighteen sixties to the nineteen seventies, rejected the past, highly conventional ways of making art and attempted to come to terms with the urban, industrial and secular society that began to emerge in the mid-nineteenth century. There were many movements within Modernism; but none challenged conventional ideas about art to the same extent as Impressionism and Cubism. These movements produced uniquely innovative artists whom, through their works, prepared the way for twentieth century art. This essay will analyze Impressionism and Cubism, examining how through their respective artists, these movements changed conventions in art.
The Impressionist period was the first momentous progress towards challenging traditional ideas in art. …
