Which art movement is characterized by spontaneity and capturing moments in time?

Impressionism is the art movement characterized by spontaneity and the capturing of moments in time. Originating in the late 19th century, this movement emphasized the artist's perception of a scene, often focusing on the effects of light and color. Impressionist painters sought to convey the fleeting nature of a moment, using loose brushwork and vibrant colors to depict the immediate visual experience rather than detailed realism.

This movement emerged as a reaction against traditional methods of painting, which emphasized careful composition and realistic depictions. Instead, Impressionists painted en plein air (outdoors) to capture the natural light and its effects on the landscape and subjects. Their works often portray everyday scenes, from gardens and streets to leisure activities, emphasizing a moment that might otherwise go unnoticed, thus encapsulating the essence of spontaneity.

In contrast, other movements like Surrealism explore dreams and the unconscious mind, Baroque is focused on drama and grandeur, and Cubism breaks down subjects into geometric forms, none of which capture the immediate, ephemeral quality that defines Impressionism.