Claude Monet, born on November 14, 1840, in Paris, was a pivotal figure in the development of Impressionism, an art movement characterized by its emphasis on the effects of light and atmosphere rather than detailed representations. Monet's work is often considered the epitome of Impressionist painting, capturing the beauty of nature through his distinctive style.
Monet was raised in Le Havre, a port town where he first encountered the sea, a theme that would later dominate his work. His early artistic education was somewhat unconventional; he was not formally trained until he met Eugène Boudin, who encouraged him to paint outdoors, thus introducing Monet to plein air painting.
In 1859, Monet moved to Paris to pursue art, where he met fellow artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, and Camille Pissarro, with whom he would later form the nucleus of the Impressionist movement. His early works were heavily influenced by the Barbizon School painters, focusing on the natural landscape. However, Monet's approach evolved, emphasizing the play of light on subjects, often using bright, vibrant colors and loose brushwork.
The term "Impressionism" was coined after Monet's painting Impression, Sunrise (1872), which was exhibited in 1874 at the first independent exhibition organized by the group that would later be known as the Impressionists. This painting, with its focus on the atmospheric effect over detail, was initially met with criticism but eventually helped define the movement. Monet's work during this period included series like the Haystacks, Rouen Cathedral, and Water Lilies, where he painted the same subject at different times of day to capture changes in light and atmosphere.
In his later life, Monet settled in Giverny, where he created his famous water garden, the subject of his monumental series of Water Lilies. His health declined, but he continued to paint until his death on December 5, 1926. Monet's influence on modern art cannot be overstated; he not only helped to define Impressionism but also influenced subsequent art movements like Post-Impressionism and beyond.