Impressionism, appearing in the late nineteenth century, transformed the art world by moving away from realistic representation toward capturing the sensory effect of a scene—the impression. Artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir worked primarily outdoors, a practice known as en plein air, to observe the fleeting effects of light and color. Their technique involved using short, visible brushstrokes and unblended colors to create a sense of vibrancy and movement. This approach was a direct challenge to the standards of the French Academy, which valued smooth finishes and historical or religious subjects. Instead, the Impressionists turned their attention to the leisure activities of the burgeoning middle class, such as boating trips, dance halls, and park strolls. While initially met with hostility from traditional critics, the movement eventually gained widespread acceptance. The focus on the subjectivity of perception paved the way for later movements like Post-Impressionism and Fauvism. By emphasizing how we see rather than just what we see, Impressionism redefined the boundaries of artistic expression. It remains one of the most popular and influential movements in Western art history.