Post-Impressionism

Post-Impressionist artists

an overview

 

Introduction:
On this page you will find an overview of the most important Post-Impressionist artists. The most important are Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh, see also the starting page. The first two were also partakers of the ‘impressionist’ expositions, in the future I will make a seperate page on Vincent van Gogh. Many of the Post-Impressionists belonged to the Symbolist art-movements, like the School of Pont-Aven, Cloisonnism, Synthetism, Les Nabis and Symbolism. Several of them exhibited at Volpini in 1889, at the Expositions Impressionnistes et Symbolistes(1891-97) , at the Salon de la Rose+Croix (1892-97).
The post-impressionist artists also in age came after the Impressionists. Most of them were born after 1855.
I will render the Post-Impressionists in an alphabetical order, sometimes I refer to seperate pages. See link for Néo-Impressionist artists.

 

Aman-Jean (1858-1936):
Born as Amand-Edmond Jean, but known as Aman-Jean (R207,p21). Shared an appartment with Seurat and Ernest Laurent, all attended the studio of Henri Lehmann since 1878 (R297,p17+18;R207,p21). Shared a studio with Seurat from; some say from 1881-88, others since 1879/80 (R207,p21). He was mainly a figure painter / portraitist. Received a 3rd class medal at the Salon (SdAF) in 1883 and in 1885 a travel bursary. At the Exposition Universelle of 1889 he received a médaille d’argent and in 1900 a médaille d’or (he showed 6 art-works). Participated in the first two exhibitions of the Salon de la Rose+Croix. Exhibited at the SNBA (1892), the Société Internationale at Georges Petit (1896) and at the expositions of the Société Nouvelle. Founder of the Salon des Tuilleries (1923).
Sources: R298,p28; R297,p270; R207,p19+21; R231-3; see links for info + pictures on the internet (iR3;iR4;iR6;iR23).

Louis Anquetin (1861-1932):
Attended the studios of Bonnat (1882) and Cormon (1883-85), where he passed as the most gifted painter. Connections with Bernard↓, Laval↓, Toulouse-Lautrec↓ and Van Gogh. Admired Monet. Met Signac 1887/03/12. One of the first to paint in a cloisonnist style (1887). Exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants (1888-93), at Volpini (1889) and several times at the Expositions Impressionnistes et Symbolistes and at the SNBA.
Sources: R181,p593/4; R16,p64; R229,p110/1. See links for info + pictures on the internet: in English (iR3), in French (iR4), pictures (iR6), at Joconde (iR23).

 

Émile Bernard (1868-1941):
In his early years he experimented with Impressionism and Néo-Impressionism. Bernard is related to the school of Pont-Aven, inspired by Anquetin↑ he was one of the first to paint in a Cloisonnist style (1887) and developed with Gauguin Synthetism (1888). See seperate page.

Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947):
Attended the École des Beaux-Arts in 1891 and also the Académie Julian where he had contacts with Denis↓, Ranson↓, Roussel↓, Sérusier↓, Vallotton↓ and Vuillard↓. Member of Les Nabis from 1891-96. Shared since 1890 a studio with Denis↓ and Vuillard↓ at 28, Rue de Pigalle. Also maked decorative art. Admired Renoir. Exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants (irregular from 1891-1914+), at Durand-Ruel (1896), the Salon d’Automne (1911), at Bernheim-Jeune (1913). Two of his works were exhibited in the “impressionist” room at an exhibition in Rome in 1913.
Bought in 1912 a house in Vernon, close to Giverny where Monet lived. Was professor at the Académie Ranson↓ (R298,176). Moved in 1925 to Cannet and would die here in 1947.
Sources: Negri (1974=R289,p87-89+19-21); Catalogue Raisonné by Dauberville (1965=R107); R16,p76-80; R229,p258/9; iR216; See links for info + pictures on the internet: Wikipedia (iR3); in French (iR4), Wikimedia (iR6), Joconde (iR23).

Maurice Denis (1870-1943):
Co-founder of Les Nabis late 1888. In his paintings he integrated elements of Cloisonnism en Synthetism. Gibson calls him “The most gifted and versatile of the French Symbolists.” (R470,p231) See seperate page.

Georges de Feure (1868-1943):
Pseudonym of Georges Joseph van Sluijters. Pupil of Chéret. Also decorative art, partly seen as the best works of Art Nouveau. Exhibited at the Expositions Impressionnistes et Symbolistes (1892), the Salon de la Rose+Croix (1893+94), the SNBA (1894 onwards).
Sources: R298,p49; see links for info + pictures on the internet: WikiPedia (iR3), in French (iR4).

Charles Filiger (1863-1928):
Connections with Bernard↑, Gauguin, Schuffenecker and Sérusier↓. July 1889 in Pouldu. Exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants (1889+90), Les XX (1891), the Salon de la Rose+Croix (1892), at Durand-Ruel (1899).
Sources: R298,p69; R229,p656see links for info + pictures on the internet: WikiPedia (iR3); in French (iR4); WikiMedia (iR6).

Henri-Gabriel Ibels (1867-1936):
Member of Les Nabis from the foundation in 1888, but will stay a side figure. He was more an illustrater than a painter. Exhibited with the Expositions Impressionnistes et Symbolistes (1891-94?), the Salon des Indépendants (1891-93+1901-03).
Sources: Negri (1974=R289,p90+16); R229,p883; see links for info + pictures on the internet: WikiPedia (iR3); in French (iR4); WikiMedia (iR6).

 

George Lacombe (1868-1916):
Spend the summers from 1888 till 1897 in Camaret (Britanny). Attended the Académie Julian, met Sérusier↓ (in 1892) and became member of Les Nabis. Influenced by Gauguin. Settled in 1897 in Alençon near Ecouves (Normandy) and lived isolated. Influenced by Théo van Rysselberghe↓, whom he befriended around 1900, Lacombe started around 1904 to paint in a Néo-Impressionist style and later (around 1907) in a more impressionist style. He exhibited at the Salon des Indépendents (1895+1901+05+06+11) and the Salon d’Automne. Never sold a painting, but gave them to friends. Stayed neglected for a long time. He also was a sculptor (in wood).
Sources: R298,p107; Negri (1974=R289,p90+16); R56,p164/5;R229,p981/2; see links for info + pictures on the internet: WikiPedia (iR3), in French (iR4); WikiMedia (iR6).

Charles Laval (1861-94):
Attended the studios of Bonnat and Cormon. Connections with Anquetin↑, Bernard↑, Toulouse-Lautrec. Connected with the school of Pont-Aven and with Synthetism. After their meeting in Pont-Aven in the Summer of 1886, Gauguin became his master. In 1887 he went with Gauguin to Martinique, but returned several months later than Gauguin in 1888. Several works, first attributed to Gauguin, are now assumed to be made by Laval. Already in 1887 he produced works in a more Cloisonnist style and was ahead of Gauguin, who only did so after his meeting with Bernard↑. In 1889 he was with Gauguin in Pouldu (Brittany). April 1890 he got engaged with Madeleine, the sister of Émile Bernard↑, which caused a break up in the relation with Gauguin, who also felt for her. Exhibited at the Salon (SdAF) (1880 onwards) and at Volpini (1889). Died young at the age of 33 in 1894.
Sources: R181II,p306-308; see links for info + pictures on the internet: in English (iR3), in French (iR4), pictures (iR6).

Maignan, Albert:
Born as Albert-Pierre-René Maignan in Beaumont-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe). Received at the Salon a 3rd class medal in 1874, a 2nd class medal in 1876 and a 1st class medal in 1879. At the Exposition Universelle of 1889 he received a golden medal; in 1900 he was member of the jury and joined hors concours. He was appointed in the Légion d’Honneur as Chevalier in 1883, as Officier in 1895.
R337/1901.

Aristide Maillol (1861-1944):
Attends the École des Beaux-Arts; pupil of Gérôme and Cabanel. Connections with Georges Daniel de Monfreid, Gauguin and later Denis↑. Member of Les Nabis since 1893. Mainly a sculpture. Made also decorative art and Gobelins. Exhibits at the SNBA (1894-1903), at La Libre Esthétique (1894?+98), with the Expositions Impressionnistes et Symbolistes (only 1895?) and the Salon d’Automne (1904 onwards). Was professor at the Académie Ranson↓ (R298,176).
Sources: R298,p115; Negri (1974=R289,p91); see links for info + pictures on the internet: WikiPedia (iR3), in French (iR4), WikiMedia (iR6), Joconde (iR23).

 

Charles Maurin (1856-1914):
Attends the École des Beaux-Arts (in 1877) and the studios of Lefebvre, Boulanger and Académie Julian. Exhibited at the Salon (SdAF) (1882-90), the Salon des Indépendants (1887+88), the Salon de la Rose+Croix (in 1892+95+97), at La Libre Esthétique (1895+97). Connections with Vallotton↓. Used several techniques.
Sources: R298,p127; R229,p1180; see links for info + pictures on the internet: WikiPedia (iR3), in French (iR4), WikiMedia (iR6), Joconde (iR23).

Ménard, Émile René (1861-1930):
Admirer of the Barbizon painters. Attended the Academie Julian (1880). Exhibited at the Salon (SdAF) (1883 onwards), at the SNBA (member since 1891), the Société Internationale at Georges Petit (1892), the Libre Esthétique (1897) and at the Société Nouvelle (1900-22). He received a 3rd class medal at the Exposition Universelle in 1889 (or at the Salon) and a 1st class medal in 1900 at the Exposition Decennale. Was in 1923 co-founder of the Salon des Tuileries. Since 1926 Member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts.
He depicted many landscapes, often with a serene atmosphere, often inhabited by classical figures. He also depicted biblical, classical and pastorale scenes. Made some large decorations (now in the Louvre). His style is in line with Puvis de Chavannes and has elements of Symbolism.
Sources: R297,p316-319; R298,p131; R231-3+13.
See links for info + pictures on the internet:

Monfreid, Georges Daniel de (1856-1929):
Some sources state he was born in New York in 1856 (iR5), others in 1856 in Paris (R285,p1229), others in 1865 born from rich parents (R56,p81). Pupil at the Académie Julian (1874). Friendships with Schuffenecker, Gauguin, Aristide Maillol ↑. Corresponded with Gauguin when he was in Tahiti. Painted shortly in a Divisionist style in 1889 and 1890. Also influenced by Les Nabis. He also was an important art-collector. Exhibited at Volpini (1889), at the Salon des Indépendants (1890-97), .
Sources: R56,p81;R229,p1229/30;. More info and pictures: WikiPedia in Dutch (iR5); WikiMedia (iR6); Meisterdrücke (iR155).

Osbert, Alphonse (1857-1939):
Attends the the École des Beaux-Arts; pupil of Lehmann, Cormon and Bonnat. Influenced by Puvis de Chavannes, Séon↓ and Seurat. Exhibits at the Salon des Indépendants (1889-95), the Expositions Impressionnistes et Symbolistes (6th+7th expo), the Salon de la Rose+Croix.
Sources: R298,p159; R229,p1304/5; see links for info + pictures on the internet: WikiPedia (iR3), in French (iR4), Joconde (iR23).

Puigaudeau, Ferdinand Loyen du (1864-1930):
Was part of the School of Pont-Aven. Was befriended with Gauguin. Was a Symbolist in the sense that he thought a painting should render a sense or thought. He often depicted the twilight and the evening. (R16,p180)

Ranson, Paul (1861*-1909):
Ranson came from a rich family. His father was mayor of Limoges. In 1888 pupil at the Académie Julian. Member of Les Nabis, who later would gather every Saturday in his studio called the ’temple’ at 22, Boulevard du Montparnasse. Exhibits at the Expositions Impressionnistes et Symbolistes (1891-97?), the Salon des Indépendants (1892+93 + 1901-07), the SNBA (1895), La Libre Esthétique (1894+95+98). In 1908 founder of the Académie Ranson.
Note*: Some sources say he was born in 1864; others 1862 (R470,p49).
Sources: R298,p176; Negri (1974=R289,p91); R229,p1436/7; R470,p49; see links for info + pictures on the internet: Wikipedia (iR3); in French (iR4);

Henri Rousseau (1844-1910):
Also called “Le Douanier”. A ‘Naive’ painter. Exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants (1886-1910), in 1911 there was a posthumous retrospective with 47 works.
Sources: R96,p59; R229,p1499-1503;

Roussel, Ker-Xavier (1867-1944):
Since his youth connection with Vuillard↓, who in 1893 became his brother-in-law. Attended the Académie Julian. Later member of Les Nabis, who also gathered in his villa La Jacanelle in L’Étang-la-Ville. Exhibited with the Expositions Impressionnistes et Symbolistes (1893?-96?), at the Salon des Indépendants (irregular from 1901-10). Two of his works were exhibited in the “impressionist” room at an exhibition in Rome in 1913. Made large decorations. Also depicted mythological themes.
Sources: Negri (1974=R289,p92); iR216; R16,p169; R229,p1505/6; . See links for info + pictures on the internet: Wikipedia (iR3); Wikimedia (iR6).

Séon, Alexandre (1855-1917):
Pupil and co-worker of Puvis de Chavannes since 1881. Connections with Osbert↑ and Seurat. Exhibits at the Salon (1879 onwards), at the Salon des Indépendants (1888+89 +1907-14+), with the SNBA (1890-96), with the Impressionnistes et Symbolistes (1892) and at the Salon de la Rose+Croix (1892-97) where he was one of the founders. Described by Alphonse Germain (1892) as a ‘peintre idéaliste-idéiste’ (R298,p211).
Sources: R298,p211; R2295,p1574/5; see links for info + pictures on the internet: WikiPedia (iR3), in French (iR4), WikiMedia (iR6), Joconde (iR23).

Sérusier, Paul (1863/64-1927):
Attended the Académie Julian (since 1885), where he met (in 1888) Bonnard↑, Denis↑ and Ranson↑. Sérusier met Gauguin in the Summer of 1888 in Pont-Aven. Inspired by Gauguin he paints in October ’the Talisman’, which is called the first Nabis painting (R74,p293;R55,p128). Many see Sérusier as the main stimulator of Les Nabis (R289,p8-10). But Denis↑ is seen as the true theoretician of Les Nabis (R289,p11).
Later Sérusier travelled with Denis↑ in Italy (1895+1904). Exhibited at the Salon (SdAF) and received in 1888 an honorable mention. Exhibited also with the Expositions Impressionnistes et Symbolistes, at the Salon des Indépendants (1895+1901+1904-13), La Libre Esthétique (1901) and the Salon d’Automne. Was professor at the Académie Ranson↑.
Publication:
A.B.C. de la peinture. Paris, 1921 (R181II,p631;R289,p11).
Sources: R298,p212; Negri (1974=R289,p93); R181,p594; R229,p1579/80; see links for info + pictures on the internet: WikiPedia (iR3), in French (iR4), WikiMedia (iR6), Joconde (iR23).

 

Toulouse-Lautrec, Henri de (1864-1901):
Toulouse-Lautrec is often mentioned as a Post-Impressionist, but he is hard to put in a certain art-movement. Exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants (1889-97); in 1902 there was a posthumous retrospective showing 10 works.
Note: I will later add some more information.
Sources: Catalogue Raisonné by Dortu (1971=R109); Harris (1995=R66); Felbinger (1999=R67); R229,p1667/8; engravings on gallica (iR40);

 

Vallotton, Félix (1865-1925):
Swiss by birth. Attends the Académie Julian (1882). Befriended with Charles Maurin↑. Since 1890 permanent contacts with Les Nabis, but stayed independant. Valloton made a large oeuvre, including portraits, nudes, interiors, still-lifes and landscapes. In his landscapes he also rendered the effect of light; around 1910 he made several sunsets. In many of his paintings we see a simplification of form, reducing perspective and using planes with bright and fairly even colours (iR6). Some discripbe it as a ‘a rigid, cold, plastic, immobile objectness’ (R289,p18). I doubt if it is correct that he made just a few symbolist paintings (R298,p234). Vallotton also made many woodcut engravings (1892 onwards). Vallotton exhibited at the Salon (SdAF) (1885 onwards), the Salon des Indépendants (1891+93 +1901-09), the Salon de la Rose+Croix (1892), with the Expositions Impressionnistes et Symbolistes, La Libre Esthetique (1895), the SNBA (1895) and the Salon d’Automne (1903). Two of his works were exhibited in the “impressionist” room at an exhibition in Rome in 1913. He was professor at the Académie Ranson↑ (R298,176).
Sources: R298,p234; Negri (1974=R289,p93+17); R229,p1693/4; iR216; see links for info + pictures on the internet: WikiPedia (iR3), in French (iR4), WikiMedia (iR6), Joconde (iR23), engravings on gallica (iR40), woodcuts at gallica (iR40), works at Musée d’Orsay (M1). Link to the Catalogue Raisonné of Ducrey (2005): WikiMedia.

Valtat, Louis (1869-1952):
Born in Dieppe. Is seen as a predecessor of the Fauvists. Exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants (irregular from 1893-1914+).
Sources: R88II,p18; R285,p1696/7.

Van Gogh, Vincent (1853-1890):
Vincent van Gogh was born in 1853 in Groot-Zundert in Holland. He died in 1890 at Auvers-sur-Oise. Exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants (1888-90); in 1891 there was a posthumous retrospective showing 10 works and in 1905 with 45 works.
Sources: R229,p1705/6;.
Note: In the future I will create a separate page on Van Gogh.

 

Vuillard, Edouard (1868-1940):
Another source mentions that Jean Édouard Vuillard was born in 1867 in Cuiseaux (Saône-et-Loire). Since his youth connections with Denis↑ and Roussel↑. Attended the École des Beaux-Arts and the Académie Julian, where he met Bonnard↑, Ibels↑, Ranson↑, Sérusier↑ and Vallotton↑. Member of Les Nabis. Also connections with Maillol↑ and Toulouse-Lautrec. Exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants (1901-10). Two of his works were exhibited in the “impressionist” room at an exhibition in Rome in 1913.
Sources: R289,p94/5+18/9; R297,p; R229; iR216; see links for info + pictures on the internet: WikiPedia (iR3), in French (iR4), WikiMedia (iR6), Joconde (iR23), see engravings on gallica (iR40). See link to the Catalogue Raisonné by SWalomon Cogeval & Chivot (2003) (iR6).

 

General sources:
Wubben (1975=R298); Negri (1974=R289); Yann Farinaux-Le Sidaner (2018=R297). And on the internet a Wikipedia page on Le Barc de Boutteville (iR4). See links for the general references (=Rx) and the references to internet (=iRx) for the other sources. For info on the subscription of the paintings see.

Recommanded citation: Post-Impressionism: Post-impressionist artists. Last modified 2025/10/22. https://www.impressionism.nl/post-impressionist-artists/”

 

Note: More information and pictures will be added later (namely from R55 +R88 +R470).

 

Please be reluctant when you quote from this webpage, which is under construction.
The information is incomplete and maybe partly incorrect.