"Impression, Sunrise" by Claude Monet is a seminal painting that played a key role in defining the Impressionist movement. Created in 1872, it depicts a serene sunrise over the port of Le Havre, Monet's hometown. The artist uses a palette of cool blues and grays for the water and sky, contrasted with the warm orange glow of the rising sun. With loose, expressive brushstrokes, Monet captures the transient effects of light and atmosphere, giving the painting a dreamy, ephemeral quality.

This approach was revolutionary at the time, focusing on the fleeting impression of a scene rather than precise details. The painting's title and style led to the naming of the Impressionist movement, which emphasized capturing the changing effects of light and color in everyday scenes. "Impression, Sunrise" invites viewers to appreciate the beauty of a single moment, marking a significant shift in the art world towards modernism.