The Impressionists, whose moniker originated in a now forgotten critic’s derogatory review, rose to prominence in the 1870s and 80s. Utilizing small, visible brush strokes to depict changing light and movement, the core group of “founders”, such as Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Cezanne, and Sisley propelled painting forward, and paved the way to the doorstep of modernism.