The Impressionists were a group of late 19th-century artists who revolutionized the art world with their innovative approach to painting. They focused on capturing the effects of light and color in their works, often painting en plein air (outdoors) to depict scenes of everyday life. Notable figures include Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. This movement emphasized the importance of personal perception and experience, leading to a departure from traditional techniques and subjects. The Impressionists' work laid the groundwork for modern art, influencing countless artists and movements that followed, such as Post-Impressionism and Fauvism.