The Impressionists: Painting and Revolution (2011)

S1E1 Gang of Four

Art critic Waldemar Januszczak takes viewers on a journey through the groundbreaking impact of the Impressionists. In this first episode, he uncovers the personal histories of four pivotal figures in the movement: Pissarro, Monet, Renoir, and Bazille. Waldemar examines the social and cultural forces that shaped their distinctive styles, revealing how their shared vision led to a transformative shift in art. Traveling from the Caribbean shores to the vibrant streets of Paris and the outskirts of South London, he highlights how these artists found inspiration in their surroundings. From Monet and Renoir’s lively scenes at La Grenouillère to Pissarro's unembellished depictions of rural life, Waldemar reveals how the Impressionists revolutionized art by capturing the spontaneity of everyday moments.