Art the French Way

France is a country that has been home to such well-known artists as Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse, and Paul Cezanne.

In the 18th century, one of the most popular styles of painting was neo-Classicism and later in the 19th century, it was Romanticism focusing on emotional artworks centered on realistic scenes.

Impressionism made France stand out from other countries from an artistic point of view. French artworks during Impressionism made way for the birth of the modern art movement and the country remained as one of the most popular centers of art during the 20th century.

The world-renowned art museum the Louvre in Paris, France is looked upon as the most important and famous art museum in the world.

Impression Sunrise Claude Monet

French artist Claude Monet is among the most famous French artists of all time. This artwork is his most impressive. Monet was known for his artwork which gave birth to the Impressionist movement in the mid-19th century. He completed this painting in 1872 depicting a seascape from Le Havre, France.

The painting is known for its captivating colors showing a soft sunrise over a busy port city. Larger ships and barges are seen fading into the morning mist in the background. In the front, a few lone boats are seen on the water.

Le Dejeuner Sur L’Herbe Edouard Manet

French artist Edouard Manet is known for his impressive works of art. He completed this painting in 1863 and it is among his most recognized artworks.

The painting depicts two men in suits, lounging on the grass in front of a nearby bath. Beside them sits a nude woman. All three are seated by a basket of fruit, enjoying a picnic. In the background, another woman can be seen bathing.

The Absinthe Drinker Edouard Manet

French artist Edouard Manet created this painting as one of the earliest artworks done during the Impressionist period. The artwork depicts a Frenchman named Collardet, who was known as being a regular among the social circles closest to Manet. It is a bleak portrayal of a drunkard.

Liberty Leading the People Eugene Delacroix

French artist Eugene Delacroix created this artwork which became the most iconic French painting ever done. It was painted to commemorate the July Revolution of 1830 when King Charles X of France was overthrown.

Delacroix depicts scenes of French revolutionaries engaged in battle. Some are wounded and lying on the ground surrounding Lady Liberty pressing onward in the fight. Lady Liberty is seen holding a gun in one hand and the French flag in the other. It is considered to be among the most inspirational Romanticism paintings and most famous ever done by Delacroix.

Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette Pierre-Auguste Renoir

French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir completed this artwork in 1876 and it is considered to be a masterpiece of the Impressionist art movement.

The painting depicts a typical Sunday afternoon in Paris during that period. Residents would gather at the Moulin de la Galette café to enjoy dancing in the courtyard.

Dance Henri Matisse

French artist Henri Matisse created this artwork in the Modern Art era and became one of the most iconic artworks during this time.

This painting was commissioned by a wealthy Russian collector in 1910. It depicts nude figures dancing in a circle holding hands against a dark blue and green background.

The Boulevard Montmartre at Night Camille Pissarro

French artist Camille Pissarro was among the most famous Impressionist artists in France. He is best known for this artwork.

The painting was done in 1897 from a hotel room at the Hotel de Russie in Paris, France. It depicts the famous boulevard highlighted by flickering streetlights that illuminated French cities throughout the late 1800s.

The Card Players Paul Cezanne

French artist Paul Cezanne was among the most famous Impressionist artists in France. He completed this impressive detailed painting in the 1890s.

The painting depicts three men seated opposite each other engaged in an intense card game. This artwork is part of a series of artworks that focused on French peasants who spent their days engaged in card games and smoking pipes. These are among the most famous paintings ever done by this legendary artist.