The term "Impressionism" originated in 1874 from a critical review by the French art critic Louis Leroy. He used the term mockingly in his article "Exhibition of the Impressionists" published in the newspaper Le Charivari to ridicule Claude Monet's painting Impression, Sunrise (1872), which appeared unfinished and sketch-like to him. Leroy sarcastically called it an "impression," implying it was a mere rough sketch rather than a completed artwork

. Impressionism as a term initially meant to criticize the loose brushwork, lack of detailed finish, and unconventional approach to painting that these artists employed. However, the painters embraced the term to define their style and attitude against the rigid academic norms of the time

. The meaning of Impressionism reflects the movement's focus on capturing the fleeting, momentary visual impressions of a scene, especially the effects of light and atmosphere. Impressionist artists painted outdoors (en plein air) to observe natural light directly and used rapid, broken brushstrokes with pure, often unmixed colors to convey the sensation of a scene rather than its precise details. This approach emphasized spontaneity, movement, and the subjective perception of reality over meticulous realism or historical subjects

. In summary:

• Origin of the term: Coined sarcastically by critic Louis Leroy in 1874, inspired by Monet's Impression, Sunrise painting

• Original meaning: A derogatory label implying unfinished, sketch-like art lacking detail

• What it came to mean: An innovative art style focused on capturing transient visual impressions, light effects, and everyday scenes using loose brushwork and vibrant colors, breaking from academic conventions

This transformation of the term from insult to symbol marks Impressionism as a pioneering movement that revolutionized modern art.