Impressionism is an artistic movement that emerged in France in the late 19th century. Its primary goal was to capture the fleeting, sensory experience of a moment in time rather than focusing on precise representation. Impressionist artists used loose brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and an emphasis on the play of light to create a sense of atmosphere and mood in their paintings.

The impressionists often painted outdoors, en plein air, to capture the changing effects of light and weather. They also favored everyday subjects, such as landscapes, cityscapes, and scenes of leisure and entertainment. The movement was revolutionary in its rejection of traditional academic techniques and subject matter, and its emphasis on individual expression and subjective experience.

Some of the most famous impressionist painters include Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and Berthe Morisot. Today, impressionism remains a popular and influential movement in the world of art, inspiring new generations of artists to experiment with light, color, and subjective expression.