What artistic movement emerged as a reaction against Impressionism, focusing on internal expression rather than external observation?

Expressionism emerged as a significant artistic movement in the early 20th century, largely as a reaction to the principles of Impressionism. While Impressionism focused on capturing the fleeting effects of light and color in the external world, Expressionism sought to convey the internal emotional experiences of the artist. This movement prioritized personal feelings, subjective interpretations, and emotional responses over realistic depictions.

Expressionists employed vivid colors, exaggerated forms, and dynamic compositions to express feelings such as anxiety, alienation, and despair, often drawing upon themes of human experience and emotional depth. Artists in this movement viewed the external world primarily as a means to express their inner truths rather than merely reflecting reality.

In contrast, the other options either represent earlier movements or have different thematic focuses, making them less relevant to the context of the question. Impressionism, for example, is characterized by its focus on light and nature, while Surrealism explores dreams and the unconscious mind. Purism, meanwhile, emphasizes clean lines and forms, moving away from the emotionality that defines Expressionism.