Which movement departed from realistic depiction to capture a fleeting moment in time and the momentary effects of light?

• A. Realism
• B. Impressionism
• C. Abstract
• D. Surrealism

Answer: (B)

Impressionism centers on capturing a fleeting moment and the changing effects of light. Artists aiming for this approach record how light shifts, how colors dazzle and mingle in the viewer’s eye, and how a scene feels in a single instant. They often painted quickly outdoors, using loose, visible brushstrokes and patches of color that blend in the eye to create a sense of immediacy and movement rather than a polished, detailed likeness.

This stands apart from Realism, which emphasizes accurate, detailed depiction of ordinary life; Abstract, which moves away from recognizable forms; and Surrealism, which places dreamlike, unexpected imagery at the forefront. The emphasis on transient light and immediate impression makes this movement the best fit for the idea described.