The artistic works created by painters during the early eighteenth century is referred as modern art. The term symbolizes the work that are quite unique from the conventional pieces (also known as contemporary art). However, modern art is mainly characterized by abstraction. Time and again, there have been a lot of debates surrounding the origin of modern art.

According to the historical records, the modern art form was first discovered in 1863, when Edouard Manet displayed his painting ‘Le déjeunerd sur l'herbe’ in the Salon des Refusés (Paris). However, there are some people who claim that this art form was first exhibited by the famous artists Gustave Courbet, in 1855. But, there is another section of experts who claim that modern art was first discovered in 1784, by Jacques Louis David in his painting 'The Oath of the Horatii.' Every generation tries to break away from the past.

Regardless of its exact origin date, the crucial factors in modern art are the free inner expression by the artists. With modern art, many artists were able to use real life issues as a source of subject in their work as well as experiment and innovate as often. In addition, modern art is all about displaying the urgent and meaningful in the current scenario.

The pioneers of modern art are considered to be realistic, romantics and impressionists. It is believed that certain movements in the end of 19th century led to the emergence of modern art, which include the post-impressionism and symbolism.