The Debate: Who Is the Best Impressionist or Post-Impressionist Era Artist?

Art history is full of fascinating debates and controversies, with one of the most intriguing being the question of who is the best Impressionist or Post-Impressionist era artist. While opinions may differ, my position is that we are still in the early stages of evaluation and that it will likely take another century to fully appreciate the true greatness of these artists. Let's delve into the details.

The Paris Exposition Universelle and Its Legacy

By 1900, Paris had hosted a monumental event known as the Exposition Universelle, a grand exposition intended to showcase the achievements of nations, including significant contributions to the world of art. Leading artists from across the globe presented their works, and a distinguished jury awarded medals to the most outstanding pieces. Among the winners of the Grands Prix, names regarded as national art school classics now resurface, such as Whistler from the USA, Klimt from Austria, Boldini from Italy, Lenbach from Germany, Sorolla from Spain, and Zorn from Sweden and Russia. However, when it comes to France, only 10 French painters won these prestigious medals.

Many consider great French artists like Jean-Jacques Henner, Antoine-Ernest Hebert, Alfred-Philipp Roll, Aime Morot, Henri Harpignies, or Antoine Vollon to be lesser-known figures in today's art world. Names like Dagnan-Bouveret, who was awarded the Grand Prix, only recently received more attention from art historians. More intriguingly, it was Antoine Vollon, dubbed the greatest living painter in France at the time, whose works are now largely forgotten. But what are the art lovers of today aspiring to learn about these artists, and why did their names practically vanish from art history?

A Great Substitution and the Modern Art History Clean Up

The question arises: why do only narrow specialists know these artists, while everyone seems to be familiar with the likes of Whistler, even though this might not be entirely deserved? It appears that a group of outsiders from the art market pools were appointed as the greatest painters of the world. These outsiders had a significant impact on the modern art history, obscuring the names of many talented French artists. It may take considerable time to clean up the 'Augean Stables' of modern art history, but rest assured, the truth will eventually come to light.

A Subtle Shift in Art Appreciation

Given the historical context, it is essential to challenge the art authorities and reevaluate the artists who captured the essence of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist era. Instead of adhering to traditional hierarchies, let's focus on individual talents who left an indelible mark on the art world. Some notable contenders for the title of best artist within this period include:

Cézanne Cazin Van Gogh Dagnan-Bouveret Gauguin Morot Toulouse-Lautrec Philipp Roll

Each of these artists has unique qualities that make them stand out. Cézanne's innovative use of color and form laid the groundwork for modern art, while Van Gogh's emotional intensity and expressive brushstrokes captivated audiences. Dagnan-Bouveret, a lesser-known figure, received a Grand Prix at the Exposition and proves that there's more to the Impressionist era than what meets the eye. Similarly, Philipp Roll has remained in the shadows, but reevaluating his work could reveal a prolific talent.

A Call to Dissect Traditions

It is time to rethink our traditional art hierarchies and celebrate the diversity of artistic expression. By revisiting the Paris Exposition Universelle and recognizing the contributions of lesser-known artists, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist era. This is not merely about reevaluating a few names but about broadening our understanding of art and its role in society.

Conclusion

Art history is a journey of discovery, with many milestones yet to be reached. While it's tempting to settle on a single answer to the question of the best Impressionist or Post-Impressionist era artist, we must remember that the field is vast and rich with untold stories. As we continue to uncover the hidden gems of the past, we will redefine our understanding of what it means to be a great artist. And remember, in the grand tapestry of art, every thread matters.