Answer: The primary differences between the Romantic paintings of Englishman Joseph Mallord William Turner and paintings by the Impressionists in France are as follows:
A) Subject Matter:
- Turner's Romantic paintings often focused on emotional and dramatic scenes in nature, historical events, and the sublime, which included landscapes, seascapes, and storms. His works aimed to evoke powerful emotions and a sense of awe.
- Impressionist paintings, on the other hand, often depicted everyday life and fleeting moments, such as scenes of people, landscapes, and leisure activities. Their focus was on capturing ordinary, everyday scenes with an emphasis on modernity.
B) Use of Light and Color:
- Turner, as a Romantic artist, did emphasize the effects of light and color in his works, but he used them in a more dramatic and sometimes exaggerated manner to create emotional impact. He employed techniques like luminous sunsets and bold contrasts to convey mood.
- Impressionists, true to their name, were known for their emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and color in the moment. They often painted outdoors to observe and depict the changing qualities of light and color as they appeared at different times of the day.
C) Depiction of Everyday Life:
- Turner's works typically did not focus on depicting everyday life or ordinary scenes. Instead, he was more interested in nature's grandeur, historical events, and the sublime in his Romantic paintings.
- Impressionists, on the other hand, were known for their portrayal of everyday life, leisure activities, and scenes from modern urban and rural life. They captured moments of contemporary life and the mundane.
D) Brushwork and Style:
- Turner's style varied throughout his career, but he often employed detailed and precise brushwork, especially in his earlier works. As he progressed, his brushwork became more fluid and expressive, reflecting his Romantic ideals.
- Impressionists were characterized by their loose brushwork and visible brushstrokes. They aimed to capture the "impression" of a scene rather than rendering it in meticulous detail. Their emphasis on capturing light and atmosphere often resulted in the visible texture of the paint on the canvas.
In summary, while both Turner's Romantic paintings and Impressionist works explored the use of light and color, they differed significantly in their subject matter, focus on everyday life, and style of brushwork.