1. a style of American landscape painting from the mid-19th century characterized by effects of light in the landscape, especially the poetic rendering of light as a unifying motif in depicting the American landscape
Usage: art history

Examples

• The Hudson River School painters were known for their luminism techniques.
• Luminism emphasized the careful observation of light and atmosphere in nature.
• Martin Johnson Heade was a master of American luminism.
• The painting’s luminism created a sense of tranquil beauty and spiritual reverence.
• Art historians study luminism as a distinctly American contribution to landscape painting.
• The exhibition featured several examples of 19th-century luminism.