Post-Impressionism was a reaction to Impressionism, as Post-Impressionist artists wanted to move beyond Impressionism's focus on capturing the fleeting moment and sought to bring more structure, form, and meaning to their art. Post-Impressionist artists disliked the lack of emphasis on composition, form, and subject matter in Impressionism, which they felt led to a superficial and decorative style.
The demimonde refers to a group of people who lived on the fringes of French society in the late 19th century, including prostitutes, dancers, and other performers. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was known for his depictions of the demimonde in his paintings and posters, which provide a window into the lives of these marginalized individuals. Through his art, we can learn about the social and cultural dynamics of the demimonde and the ways in which they were both exploited and celebrated.
Vincent van Gogh used "contradictory colors" in his paintings to express emotion by juxtaposing colors that are opposite on the color wheel, such as blue and orange or red and green. In Night Cafe, van Gogh used these colors to create a sense of unease and tension, with the warm oranges and yellows of the interior clashing against the cool blues and greens of the exterior. The effect is disorienting and unsettling, conveying the sense of a place where one might feel trapped or uncomfortable.