Introduction
To add to the offices’ design and interiors and to create a positive atmosphere and effective working environments in new offices, it is reasonable to choose Impressionist paintings by Claude Monet and Alfred Sisley because they reflect transparency and visible brushwork typical for Impressionism and Post-Impressionist paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Robert Pinchon, and Maximilien Luce.
Impressionist Paintings
The first work to choose for the office is the replica of Claude Monet’s Impression, Sunrise (1872). The painting is a vivid example of Impressionism because this work demonstrates such elements of the style as transparency and focus on brushwork. Impression, Sunrise presents the sunrise scene at the harbor of Le Havre in France, which is depicted in light blue colors and tones. The rising red sun is reflected in the mild blue waters of the harbor, and it is possible to feel the freshness of the air.
This painting can be placed in the offices’ reception halls where interiors are made in dark blue colors. Impression, Sunrise is considered to be historically significant because the whole movement is named after the painting was exhibited. The painting fits the company’s corporate image because it provides the associations with calmness and freshness, and it creates the specific ‘impression’ of the company’s ‘fresh’ approach to work.
Claude Monet’s Reflections of Clouds on the Water-Lily Pond (1920) presents the complex play of the natural light while depicting the water-lily pond in white and blue tones. The painting is characterized by avoiding strict forms and by using loose brush strokes. The work is historically significant because it is the part of the artist’s prominent series of paintings depicted water lilies, and these paintings are discussed as vivid examples of Impressionism (Sayre, 2012, p. 92). The painting should be placed in the offices’ reception halls designed in dark blue colors to make necessary accents. The work emphasizes the company’s image as the ‘transparent’ organization with a delicate approach to complex decisions.
Alfred Sisley’s Bridge at Villeneuve-la-Garenne (1872) should be selected because the painting provides the strong effect of the bright sunlight. The brushwork is visible, and the play of light is rather impressive to depict such an ordinary object as a bridge and nearby houses. The painting is very light and demonstrates the sunshine weather. This painting can be placed in the large offices’ halls where there are sofas for clients to create a positive atmosphere and warmness.
The work is historically significant because it demonstrates how Impressionists used the light effects to present ordinary objects (Walther, 2010, p. 110). Moreover, the painting can add to creating the corporate image because of providing the impression of warmth and openness as the strategy to work with clients.
Post-Impressionist Paintings
Vincent van Gogh’s A Meadow in the Mountains: Le Mas de Saint-Paul (1889) is painted in vivid colors typical for Post-Impressionism, and it depicts the bright green wheat meadows, woods, and cypress trees with the bright blue background representing mountains. The work can be discussed as historically significant because it was painted while the painter was in the asylum. The painting illustrates the vividness of nature and accentuates the concept of freedom. The painting is relevant to be used in the managers’ offices where the interiors are rather dark to put the necessary accents. The painting celebrates the beauty of life and nature, and it should be presented in the companies’ offices to emphasize the employees’ motivation and orientation to higher, ‘brighter’ achievements.
Robert Pinchon’s La Seine à Rouen au crépuscule (1905) is a good example of Post-Impressionist art because the bridge scene is made in vivid tones of blue colors to accentuate the water’s expressiveness and brightness. The painting demonstrates the strong stone bridge in blue and grey tones, and it should be placed in the offices’ halls to make accents on the dark blue and grey walls. The painting is historically significant because it is the work of the artist famous for his magic and bright landscapes. The painting fits the company’s image because it accentuates the strength of the corporate principles and ethics, similar to the strength of the stone bridge.
Maximilien Luce’s Montmartre, de la rue Cortot, vue vers saint-denis (1900) is the perfect example of Post-Impressionism because the painting represents the panorama of the town with the help of small visible brush strokes and bright intensive red and green colors. The historical significance of the painting is in the fact that it was made at the culminating stage of the development of Post-Impressionism by the artist who combined the elements of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Neo-Impressionism (Bolton, 2003, p. 111-115).
The painting is rather sunshine, and it can be placed in the rooms for communicating with clients because it reflects the company’s strategy to open horizons and to focus on the large perspective while noticing the smallest details as it is represented with the help of the artist’s prominent brushwork.
References
Bolton, L. (2003). Post impressionists. Chicago: Heinemann Library.
Sayre, H. M. (2012). The humanities: culture, continuity & change. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Walther, I. F. (2010). Impressionist art, 1860-1920. Köln: Taschen.