One of the founders of the Impressionists, Claude Monet is known for his work that is focused on the depiction of light and colors in nature. His paintings are usually characterized by calmness and reflection and every stroke he makes is done as if it is in harmony with the rest of the painting. From the entire list of Monet’s creations, several masterpieces can be considered beautiful, unique, and important. Here, we will discuss five of the most famous paintings of Monet which will reflect each of the aspects of his creativity.
1. Impression, Sunrise (1872)
The most famous of all Monet artist paintings is “Impression, Sunrise”, and this painting is the one that gave the name to the whole movement. Established in 1872, this work shows the harbor of Le Havre in the morning, when the sun is just above the horizon. The painting is painted in a somewhat sloppy manner and the colors chosen are more subdued, this gives the picture a sort of surreal feel which reminds one of the ephemeral nature of the situation.
It was the first art in which light and atmosphere were the dominant factors, and this was a complete break from the more realistic styles of art that were popular at the time. ‘Impression, Sunrise’ is still considered one of the most significant works of Monet, and his approach to painting as well as his focus on the mood of the scene rather than on its accurate representation.
2. Water Lilies (1916)
Water Lilies is one of the most famous and easily recognizable series in art history and the painting created in 1916 is considered to be one of the most outstanding pieces in the series. The “Water Lilies” paintings are a series of paintings which was created by Claude Monet based on the water lilies that he nurtured in his garden in Giverny for many years as he cultivated the landscape for painting.
In this particular piece, the artist has been able to demonstrate his prowess in the use of color and reflection where the surface of the water is almost real and unreal. The lilies are gently floating on the water surface and the reflection of the sky and the plants that are growing nearby add depth and calmness to the picture.
The ‘Water Lilies’ series is a clear demonstration of Claude Monet’s artwork to turn mundane scenes of nature into contemplations of light and vision.
3. The Japanese Footbridge (1899)
“The Japanese Footbridge” is one more painting, that belongs to the Monet’s Giverny period, depicting the bridge that the artist constructed in his garden. This artwork was done in 1899 and depicts the beauty of the garden with the arched bridge reflected on the water in the pond below. The influence of Japanese art is seen in the manner in which the picture is composed; with the focus on the balance of the picture and how nature and man-made objects can be integrated.
The Monet canvas wall art is colorful with a lot of green and blue tones as the major colors of the painting. It is not just a representation of Monet’s affection for his garden but also a study of how Japanese and French elements can be blended to make something new and exquisite – The Japanese Footbridge.
4. Branch of Lemons (1884)
“Branch of Lemons” is a less famous piece among Monet art paintings but still can be considered as one of the best works of the artist in the still life genre. Created in 1884, this painting focuses on a simple subject – a branch that is bearing lemons. The picture is simple but the careful modeling and the reflections on the lemons are evidence of Monet’s skill.
The yellows in the painting are bright and contrasting with the rest of the painting allowing the eyes to focus on the fruit and the texture of the painting. The painting “Branch of Lemons” proves that even in the quiet paintings, Monet can depict the charm of nature.
5. Poplars (1891)
The series “Poplars” painted in 1891 is another example of Claude Monet painting of the same subject in different light and weather conditions. This particular piece in the series portrays a series of tall poplar trees standing by the Epte River bank with the river water reflected on it.
The trees stand vertically in the foreground, which is opposed to the gentle, wavy reflections of the water in the background, which makes for an active yet calm painting. Monet captured the same poplar at different times of the day and in different seasons to show how different light influences the color and the tone of the picture. This series shows that Monet was very passionate about his work and was very committed to painting the beauty of nature before it faded away.
Conclusion
Today, people still admire the works of artist Claude Monet paintings and how each one of it reveals a part of his perception of reality. Starting from the famous Impression, Sunrise, and ending with the Water Lilies series, Monet’s paintings are some of the most famous and recognizable masterpieces of art history.
These five paintings only give a glimpse of Monet’s production, but each of them represents the best of what Monet has to offer as one of the most significant artists in history. Whether it be the scenes of nature, the application of colors, or the spirit of a particular moment, Monet’s art still enchants people who can see it more than a hundred years later.
