The Castle of Virieu-sur-Bourbre, Isère
1877
Check out that massive sky—Jongkind, often called the 'godfather of Impressionism,' loved giving his landscapes room to breathe. He painted this sunny French scene near a castle using quick, scratchy brushstrokes that make the grass look like it's shimmering in the heat. Tiny figures wander through the fields, looking like ants against the huge horizon. Interestingly, Jongkind was a mentor to Monet and taught him to paint outdoors, so this loose, sunny style basically helped invent the Impressionist movement!