A termed coined by British art critic Roger Fry, Post-Impressionism refers to a group of nineteenth-century painters who were dissatisfied with the limitations of impressionism. This artistic movement emerged as a reaction against the constraints of impressionism and sought to explore new possibilities in art.

Post-Impressionism encompasses various reactions against impressionism, including movements such as Fauvism and Expressionism. These artists aimed to break away from the naturalistic representation of impressionism and instead focused on expressing their emotions and subjective experiences through bold colors and distorted forms.

Fauvism, which means "wild beasts" in French, was characterized by its vibrant and non-naturalistic use of color. Artists such as Henri Matisse and André Derain sought to evoke an emotional response from the viewer through their use of intense and arbitrary colors. Fauvism rejected the subtle color variations of impressionism and instead aimed to create a powerful visual impact.

Expressionism, on the other hand, focused more on exploring the artist's inner world and subjective experiences. Artists like Edvard Munch and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner sought to convey their emotions and psychological states through distorted and exaggerated forms. Expressionist works often depicted a sense of anxiety, alienation, and inner turmoil.

Post-Impressionism as a whole marked a significant departure from the objective representation of reality found in impressionism. It allowed artists to experiment with form, color, and emotion, pushing the boundaries of traditional art. The term "Post-Impressionism" has been widely used to categorize these diverse artistic reactions that emerged in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

In conclusion, Post-Impressionism refers to a group of nineteenth-century painters who rebelled against the limitations of impressionism. Movements such as Fauvism and Expressionism are encompassed within this term, as they sought to explore new artistic possibilities by disregarding naturalistic representation and focusing on subjective experiences. Post-Impressionism marked a turning point in the history of art, allowing artists to express their emotions and push the boundaries of traditional art forms.

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