Dialogue on Artistic Expression: A Study of Oriental Elements in 19th-Century Impressionism

Abstract

As one of the most significant art movements in the 19th century, Impressionism broke down conventional boundaries, laying the foundation for today’s artistic styles to flourish. This paper aims to explore the integration of Oriental elements of Impressionism and to reveal the influence of cultural exchange on art movements. The introduction section provides a comprehensive overview of Impressionism, focusing on the research goals that revolve around Oriental aspects. The paper utilises an exhaustive approach, including a literature review, artwork analysis, and examination of historical records, ensuring a thorough exploration of Oriental influences. The structure of this paper acts as a guide for readers, highlighting unique contributions such as exploring little-known Eastern elements and interpreting artworks from new perspectives. By deeply studying the historical background of Impressionism, this paper discusses the interests in Eastern art and its influences on the Western art movement in the 19th century, examines the channels of cultural exchange, and analyses the reception of Oriental elements through case studies. At the same time, the influences of oriental traditions and elements such as brushwork, composition, and calligraphy on the natural depiction, colour application, daily life, symbolism, and character representation of Impressionist paintings are also discussed. In conclusion, this paper summarises the key findings and contributions and emphasises the importance of Oriental elements in Impressionist art.