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SSAT Upper Level
Reading Comprehension

Comparative Analysis of Impressionism and Cubism

Hard Comparative Analysis Cross-reference

In the early 20th century, two distinct movements emerged within the realm of modern art, each reflecting divergent philosophies and approaches: Impressionism and Cubism. Impressionism, characterized by its focus on light and color, sought to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life. Artists such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir emphasized the effects of natural light and the transient nature of scenes. On the other hand, Cubism, pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, represented a radical departure from traditional representation. Instead of capturing a scene’s essence, Cubist artists fragmented objects into geometric shapes and presented multiple perspectives simultaneously, challenging viewers to reinterpret their understanding of reality.

Despite their differences, both movements significantly influenced the trajectory of modern art. While Impressionism laid the groundwork for subsequent styles like Fauvism and Abstract Expressionism through its focus on color, Cubism introduced a new way of seeing the world that had a lasting impact on various artistic disciplines, including sculpture and architecture. Understanding the nuances between these two movements helps to elucidate the progression of artistic thought during this period.

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