Claude Monet

Claude Monet was a French painter and a founding figure of the Impressionist movement, which revolutionised art in the late 19th century. His approach to art, characterised by a focus on light, colour, and spontaneity, sought to capture the transient nature of reality.

Founding Impressionism through Innovations in Light and Colour

Monet's technique of capturing natural landscapes and urban life through rapid brushstrokes and a vibrant palette led to the development of Impressionism, a style that emphasises variations in light and movement over precise realism. His series paintings, such as those of the haystacks, Rouen Cathedral, and particularly the water lilies in his garden at Giverny, demonstrate his deep interest in how light and time of day affect colour perception. This innovative focus culminated in works like "Impression, Sunrise" (1872), which famously provided the name for the Impressionist movement.

Legacy of Claude Monet: Pioneering Modern Art

Monet's dedication to the theory of naturalism and his meticulous study of atmospheric conditions influenced generations of artists. By breaking the conventions of academic painting, Monet laid the groundwork for the modern art movements of the 20th century, including Post-Impressionism and Abstract Art. His home and garden in Giverny, where he produced some of his most renowned paintings, remain a testament to his influence and vision.

Claude Monet passed away in 1926.