Claude Monet

Unveiling Nature’s Impressions

Claude Monet, a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement, revolutionized French painting during the late 19th century. He dedicated his long career to capturing the landscapes and leisure activities of Paris, its surroundings, and the breathtaking Normandy coast. With a unique style, Monet strived to depict the act of perceiving nature directly on canvas, capturing nature’s true essence and exploring the ever-changing interplay of light and color. His artistic vision paved the way for modernism in the 20th century.

Portrait of Claude Monet, by photographer Nadar, c. 1899 (at the age of 59)

Born and raised in Normandy, Monet was introduced to en plein air (outdoor) painting by Eugène Boudin, a local painter from whom he studied the art of landscape. This exposure to painting in natural light would later become a hallmark of Monet’s style.

In 1862, at the age of 22, Monet joined the private Paris studio of Charles Gleyre, where he met Auguste Renoir, Frédéric Bazille, and other future Impressionists. At that time, he experienced limited success, with only a few works accepted for exhibition at the annual Salons. However, it was the rejection of his more ambitious works that motivated Monet to join forces with Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Camille Pissarro, Renoir, and others to establish an independent exhibition in 1874.

Claude Monet. Impression, Sunrise, 1872. Oil on canvas, 8.9 in × 24.8 in (48 cm × 63 cm). Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris.

One of Monet’s contributions to this exhibition was Impression, Sunrise, which drew considerable criticism for its loose brushwork and indistinct forms. Monet and the other artists embraced the negative feedback and proudly adopted the name “Impressionists” as a way to identify themselves. The term initially intended to deride their paintings as amateurish and unfinished.

Claude Monet. Woman with a Parasol, 1875.

Claude Monet. Woman with a Parasol (Madame Camille Monet and her son Jean Monet), 1875. Oil on canvas, 39 in × 32 in (100 cm × 81 cm). National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

The Impressionists sought to break free from traditional artistic conventions. They embraced spontaneous brushwork, vibrant colors, and the depiction of everyday subjects. Monet’s unique style emerged as he explored the play of light and its transformative effects on landscapes, seascapes, and urban scenes. His paintings captured fleeting moments, conveying the atmosphere and essence of a scene rather than focusing on details. His famous series, such as Haystacks and Rouen Cathedral, exemplify his revolutionary approach.

Claude Monet. Stacks of Wheat (End of Summer), 1890-91. Oil on canvas, 23.6 in × 39.4 in (60 cm × 100 cm). Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago.

Claude Monet. Rouen Cathedral, West Façade, Sunlight, 1892. Oil on canvas, 39.4 in × 25.5 in (100 cm × 65 cm). National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Monet often found inspiration in his immediate surroundings, painting the people and places he knew best. Both his first wife, Camille, and his second wife, Alice, frequently served as his models. His journeys took him around the north of France and even to London, where he sought refuge during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71.

Claude Monet eventually settled in the charming village of Giverny, France. In this picturesque location, he established his home and gardens, which served as both a haven for his artist friends and the inspiration for the iconic Water Lilies paintings. This renowned series comprised around 250 oil paintings that Monet diligently worked on from the late 1890s until his passing in 1926.

Claude Monet. Water Lilies, 1906. Oil on canvas, 35.4 in. × 37 in. (90 cm × 94 cm). Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago.

After experiencing loss with the deaths of his wife Alice in 1911 and his son Jean in 1914, Claude Monet sought solace by creating a series of massive Water Lilies panels. He donated these impressive murals, each over six feet (180 cm) tall, to the French state, and they were installed in specially designed oval rooms at the Musée de l’Orangerie. These grand panels, referred to as “The Sistine Chapel of Impressionism,” continue to captivate visitors with the tranquil beauty of floating lilies, reflective waters, and Monet’s unwavering dedication to his craft.

Claude Monet. Green Reflections, 1914-26. Two oil “panels” attached to canvas mounted on the wall, 78.7 in. × 334.6 in (200 cm × 850 cm). Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris.

Today, Monet’s masterpieces continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide. His art serves as a reminder of the boundless creativity that can be unlocked when we embrace our unique vision and relentlessly pursue our passion.