Claude Monet’s Impression, Soleil Levant was the piece that gave Impressionists their name. Impressionism was a movement launched by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, etc. who united in an interest for painting contemporary life and landscape rather than historical and mythological scenes, as was custom. Together they developed ‘plein air’ painting, which involved them painting full landscapes on site, rather than making a sketch and finishing the piece in a studio. Their work was characterized by short, visible brushstrokes, an emphasis on light, and vibrant color. They focused on ordinary subjects, movement, and human perception. Impressionism did not come to prominence until the late 19th century.