Impressionism, which emerged in 19th century France, is an innovative artistic movement characterized by its focus on light, color, and the capturing of instantaneous moments. Artists like Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas broke with the artistic conventions of their time by painting outdoors and using quick brushstrokes to capture the effects of natural light. Although initially criticized, Impressionism marked the beginning of modern art, influencing generations of artists and provoking a radical shift in artistic perception.