Claude Monet (1840-1926) was a French painter considered one of the pioneers of the Impressionist movement. His innovative approach to painting greatly influenced modern art. Here are some key points to know about Claude Monet and his impact on the art world:
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Impressionism: Monet was a leading member of the Impressionist movement, which emerged in the 19th century as a reaction to traditional artistic conventions. The Impressionists sought to capture the immediacy of light and color, focusing on atmospheric variations.
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Series of Paintings: Monet was known for his practice of creating series of paintings on the same subject at different times of the day and in different weather conditions. A famous example of this approach is the series of Nymphéas (Les Bassins aux Nymphéas) and that of Meules.
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Garden of Giverny: Monet lived most of his life in Giverny, where he created a magnificent garden. This garden and the water lily pond located there became a major source of inspiration for many of Monet's works, including the famous water lily paintings.
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Japanese Bridge: The Japanese bridge in the garden of Giverny is a recurring motif in Monet's paintings. It is depicted in several of his works, illustrating his interest in how light and color can transform a familiar subject.
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Les Nymphéas: Les Nymphéas, a series of large murals depicting the water lily ponds of Giverny, are among Monet's most famous works. They show his fascination with the effects of light and nature on water.
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Influence on Modern Art: Monet had a significant influence on the development of modern art. His experiments with light, color and visual perception paved the way for new artistic movements, such as abstraction.
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Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe: Monet also participated in the famous Salon des Refusés exhibition in 1863 with his work "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe". Although criticized at the time, this exhibition marked the beginning of the Impressionist movement.
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End of Life: Monet continued to paint until the end of his life despite vision problems. He worked on his series of Water Lilies until his last days. After his death in 1926, his house in Giverny became a museum dedicated to his work.
Claude Monet's artistic legacy endures, and his works continue to inspire and fascinate art lovers around the world.