French Impressionist painters were a group of artists who worked in the late 19th century and early 20th century. They sought to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere in their works. Paul Cezanne was a Post-Impressionist painter whose work laid the foundations for the transition from the 19th century's academic art to the modern era. Pierre-Auguste Renoir was a leading figure in the Impressionist movement, known for his vibrant and expressive paintings. Claude Monet was a founder of French Impressionist painting, and his works are characterized by their use of light and color. Edgar Degas was a French Impressionist painter, sculptor, and printmaker, best known for his paintings of ballet dancers.