The impressionists drew their inspiration from the French painters of mid-19th century, painters such a Mamet, Monet, Cezanne, and Renoir. This group revolted against realistic detail in painting and sought to reproduce the impression which objects left upon the spirit of the artist.
Translated to poetry, impressionism became a highly personal manner of writing in which the poet attempted to escape the commonplace details of ideas and to express himself simply by the moods, and the emotions left upon him.
There was to be little sentiment involved; rather there wastage a passing flash of what was seen or felt – a fleeting impression. The English impressionists formed the Rhyme’s Club, in the Cheshire Cheese. London to discuss their theories and to enjoy the poetic efforts of each other. It was in reality, an aesthetic aristocracy. The group included; John Davidson (1883-1909). Ernest Dowson (1867-1900), Arthur Simons (1865-1945), W.B. Yeasts (1865-1939).