OIL PAINTING: Impression, Sunrise , 1873
The name was first used by critics, viewing a new exhibition held in 1874, and was directed precisely and derisively, at a painting by Monet of a harbor at dawn, which he titled Impression: Sunrise. This painting is a striking example of the new style. How did Monet achieve the effect in this particular painting? The sun is set against the dawn, the orange color against the gray and the vibrant force of the sun against its motionless surroundings. To many spectators, the sun undulates or pulsates slightly. Why is this so? The sun is nearly the same luminance as the grayish clouds. Notice how the sun nearly disappears if you remove the color. This lack of contrast explains the painting's eerie quality.