The Impressionists were scorned by the establishment during their lifetime, yet they are now among the most popular artists of all time. Impressionism, part of the Phaidon Colour Library series, includes the work of some of the best known, including Monet, Pissarro, Manet, Degas, Sisley, Cezanne, Renoir, and Van Gogh.

The text touches on painting techniques, light, subject matter and photography. This series acts as an introduction to key artists and movements in art history. Each title contains 48 full-page colour plates, accompanied by extensive notes, and numerous comparative illustrations in colour or black and white, a concise introduction, select bibliography and detailed source information for the images. Monographs on individual artists also feature a brief chronology.