The Loss of the Premodern WorldThe Premodern worldview and lifestyle was questioned at the start of the 20th century.

Impressionism and the development/use of the camera serves as an analogy. There is a moral.

This is that story.

The development of the camera changes everything The camera can capture reality with precision.

We can now freeze time and represent a single moment in history.

Art that is better than reality The camera represents the world better than reality – it is hyper-real.

What purpose is there for a painter in this world?

The answer is color and light The Impressionists reject the hyper-real and realism of photography.

Instead, they focus on color and light.

They capture the same moment – they freeze time.

But they paint outside (plein air), stealing the quality of light created by the time of day.

Adaptation is the hallmark of Modernity The Impressionists faced extinction – as all painters did.

The answer was to adapt and corner a new market – a new niche.

As the Modern Era moves faster and faster, this is what society must do – adapt and change with the times.