The 10 Most Famous Artworks of Claude Monet

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Oscar-Claude Monet (14 November 1840 – 5 December 1926) was a French painter and founder of impressionist painting who is seen as a key precursor to modernism, especially in his attempts to paint nature as he perceived it. During his long career, he was the most consistent and prolific practitioner of impressionism’s philosophy of expressing one’s perceptions before nature, especially as applied to plein air (outdoor) landscape painting. The term “Impressionism” is derived from the title of his painting Impression, soleil levant, exhibited in the 1874 Salon des Refusés (“exhibition of rejects”) initiated by Monet and his associates as an alternative to the Salon.

His ambition to documenting the French countryside led to a method of painting the same scene many times so as to capture the changing of light and passing of the seasons. Among the best known examples are his series of haystacks (1890–91), paintings of the Rouen Cathedral (1894) and the paintings of water lilies in his garden in Giverny that occupied him continuously for the last 20 years of his life.

Frequently exhibited and successful during his lifetime, his fame and popularity soared in the second half of the 20th century when he became one of the world’s most famous painters and a source of inspiration for burgeoning groups of artists.

niood lists the 10 most famous artworks of Claude Monet:

1. Water Lilies (Nympheas)

Year: 1896 – 1926

Water Lilies (Nympheas) is a famous series of approximately 250 oil paintings by French Impressionist artist Claude Monet. The paintings depict his flower garden at Giverny, specifically the water lily pond he had created there. The series is renowned for several reasons:

1. Artistic innovation: Monet’s Water Lilies series is considered a prime example of the Impressionist movement. The paintings showcase his innovative approach to capturing light, color, and the fleeting quality of nature. Monet used loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors to convey the impression of the water, reflections, and surrounding vegetation.
2. Pioneering large-scale compositions: Monet’s Water Lilies paintings often feature large-scale compositions, some of which span several meters. These immersive works were groundbreaking for their time and contributed to the development of abstract art in the early 20th century.
3. Emotional depth: Monet painted the Water Lilies series during the last three decades of his life, and the works reflect his personal feelings and emotions. The paintings have a meditative quality, capturing the tranquility and serenity of the pond and its surroundings. As Monet aged, his vision declined, which led to a more abstract approach in his later works.
4. Lasting impact: The Water Lilies series has had a significant impact on modern art, influencing later artists such as Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, and Joan Mitchell, among others. The works continue to inspire contemporary artists and are a testament to Monet’s enduring legacy.
5. Cultural significance: Monet’s Water Lilies paintings are held in prestigious art institutions worldwide, including the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Art Institute of Chicago. These institutions display the works as a testament to Monet’s artistic genius and the ongoing relevance of the Impressionist movement.

2. Impression, Sunrise

Year: 1872

“Impression, Sunrise” is an oil painting by Claude Monet, created in 1872, that is famous for several reasons:

1. Birth of Impressionism: The painting is considered the starting point of the Impressionist movement. The term “Impressionism” itself was derived from the title of this work, when art critic Louis Leroy used it derogatorily in a review of the 1874 exhibition where “Impression, Sunrise” was first displayed. The name was later adopted by the artists themselves, who embraced the term and formed a cohesive artistic movement.
2. Unique style and technique: “Impression, Sunrise” showcases Monet’s distinctive approach to painting, characterized by loose brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and emphasis on capturing light and atmosphere. The painting is more focused on conveying the feeling or mood of a scene rather than a detailed, realistic representation. This approach was innovative and revolutionary at the time.
3. Depiction of modern life: The painting features the port of Le Havre, Monet’s hometown, at sunrise. The subject matter reflects the Impressionists’ interest in capturing scenes of modern life and urban landscapes, moving away from traditional historical or mythological themes.
4. Influence on subsequent art movements: “Impression, Sunrise” and the Impressionist movement that it helped to launch had a profound impact on the course of modern art. The emphasis on capturing fleeting moments, light, and atmosphere influenced numerous subsequent art movements, including Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Abstract Expressionism.
5. Cultural significance: Today, “Impression, Sunrise” is recognized as an iconic work of art and an important piece of art history. It is held in the collection of the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris and is widely studied and admired for its pioneering role in the development of Impressionism.

3. Rouen Cathedral Series

Year: 1892 – 1893

Claude Monet’s “Rouen Cathedral Series” is famous for several reasons:

1. Exploration of light and color: The series consists of over 30 paintings depicting the façade of the Rouen Cathedral in Normandy, France, at different times of the day and in various weather conditions. Monet’s primary focus was to capture the changing effects of light and color on the structure. This exploration was groundbreaking and demonstrated the artist’s mastery of rendering atmospheric changes.
2. Repetition of subject: Monet’s decision to paint the same subject multiple times from the same viewpoint was a significant departure from traditional painting practices. This approach allowed him to emphasize the transitory nature of light and its impact on the perception of the subject. The series can be seen as an early precursor to serial art, which would become more prominent in the 20th century.
3. Pioneering approach to painting: In the Rouen Cathedral series, Monet employed innovative techniques, such as layering thin, broken brushstrokes and applying paint directly onto the canvas without preliminary sketches. This approach allowed him to achieve a more spontaneous and direct representation of the changing light effects.
4. Challenging traditional artistic themes: The series marks a departure from traditional religious or historical themes often associated with cathedral paintings. Instead, Monet focused on the cathedral as a subject for his study of light and atmosphere, transforming it into an Impressionist work of art.
5. Influence and legacy: The Rouen Cathedral series contributed to the development and evolution of modern art, inspiring other artists to experiment with serial painting and pushing the boundaries of representation. Monet’s focus on light and color in these works also paved the way for future art movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting.
6. Cultural significance: Today, the Rouen Cathedral series is considered an important part of Monet’s oeuvre and a key example of Impressionist painting. The paintings are held in prestigious art institutions around the world, including the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the National Gallery in London, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, among others.

4. Haystacks Series

Year: 1890 – 1891

Claude Monet’s “Haystacks Series” (also known as “Grainstacks” or “Wheatstacks”) is famous for several reasons:

1. Innovative subject matter: The series, consisting of approximately 25 paintings, features haystacks in a field near Monet’s home in Giverny, France. The choice of haystacks as the primary subject was unconventional, as they were considered mundane, everyday objects. Monet’s choice to elevate this simple subject into fine art was groundbreaking at the time.
2. Exploration of light and color: Like his other series, Monet’s focus in the “Haystacks Series” was to capture the changing effects of light and color on the haystacks at different times of the day and during various seasons. The paintings showcase the artist’s ability to render subtle variations in light and atmosphere, which was central to the Impressionist movement.
3. Serial approach: Monet’s decision to paint the same subject repeatedly from the same viewpoint was a significant departure from traditional painting practices. This approach allowed him to emphasize the transitory nature of light and its impact on the perception of the subject. The “Haystacks Series” is considered one of the first and most famous examples of serial painting in modern art.
4. Pioneering painting techniques: Monet employed innovative techniques in the “Haystacks Series,” such as layering short, broken brushstrokes and using bold, contrasting colors to capture the shifting effects of light. This approach allowed him to achieve a more spontaneous and direct representation of the changing atmosphere.
5. Influence and legacy: The “Haystacks Series” played a crucial role in the development and evolution of modern art, inspiring other artists to experiment with serial painting and pushing the boundaries of representation. Monet’s focus on light and color in these works also paved the way for future art movements such as Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Abstract Expressionism.
6. Cultural significance: Today, the “Haystacks Series” is considered an essential part of Monet’s oeuvre and a key example of Impressionist painting. The paintings are held in prestigious art institutions around the world, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, among others.

5. Houses of Parliament Series

Year: 1900 – 1905

Claude Monet’s “Houses of Parliament Series” is famous for several reasons:

1. Iconic subject matter: The series, consisting of around 19 paintings, features the iconic British landmark, the Houses of Parliament in London. The paintings depict the Gothic architectural masterpiece from various angles, often shrouded in fog or bathed in sunlight. Monet’s focus on this recognizable subject attracted widespread attention.
2. Exploration of light and atmosphere: Monet’s primary interest in the “Houses of Parliament Series” was to capture the changing effects of light, weather, and atmosphere on the building. The paintings showcase the artist’s ability to render subtle variations in light and atmosphere at different times of the day and in various weather conditions, highlighting his mastery of these elements.
3. Serial approach: As with his other series, Monet painted the same subject repeatedly from the same viewpoint, emphasizing the transient nature of light and its impact on the perception of the subject. The “Houses of Parliament Series” is another excellent example of serial painting in modern art, revealing Monet’s dedication to this approach.
4. Pioneering painting techniques: Monet employed innovative techniques in the “Houses of Parliament Series,” such as layering short, broken brushstrokes and using bold, contrasting colors to capture the shifting effects of light and atmosphere. His ability to represent the intricate details of the Gothic architecture, as well as the enveloping fog, demonstrated his technical prowess.
5. Influence and legacy: The “Houses of Parliament Series” contributed to the development and evolution of modern art, inspiring other artists to experiment with serial painting and pushing the boundaries of representation. Monet’s focus on light, color, and atmosphere in these works continued to pave the way for future art movements, including Post-Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism.
6. Cultural significance: Today, the “Houses of Parliament Series” is considered an important part of Monet’s oeuvre and a significant example of Impressionist painting. The paintings are held in prestigious art institutions around the world, including the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the National Gallery in London, and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others. The series also highlights Monet’s connection with London, which was a recurring theme in his work.

6. Poplar Series

Year: 1891

Claude Monet’s Poplar Series is famous for several reasons:

1. Artistic innovation: The Poplar Series, painted in 1891, is an excellent example of Monet’s innovative approach to capturing the essence of the same subject at different times of day and under varying weather conditions. The series consists of 24 canvases, each depicting a row of poplar trees along the banks of the Epte River near Giverny, France. Monet’s ability to convey the changing atmosphere, light, and color is a hallmark of his mastery of the Impressionist style.
2. Pioneering serial approach: Monet’s Poplar Series was one of the first instances of an artist creating a series of paintings dedicated to a single subject. This approach allowed Monet to focus on the nuances and subtle variations in the landscape, reflecting the passage of time and the changing seasons. His serial approach would later inspire other artists and become a significant aspect of modern art.
3. Emphasis on light and color: Monet’s Poplar Series showcases his exceptional skill in capturing the play of light and color on the landscape. He used vibrant colors, loose brushwork, and bold contrasts to create a sense of depth and atmosphere in each painting. The series reflects Monet’s profound understanding of the natural world and his ability to evoke emotions through the depiction of light and color.
4. Historical significance: Monet’s Poplar Series was created during a pivotal moment in his career, when he was transitioning from more traditional landscape painting to the distinctive style that would become synonymous with Impressionism. The series marks an important step in his artistic development, as he began to focus more on capturing transient moments and the sensory experience of the viewer.
5. Enduring appeal: The Poplar Series continues to be celebrated for its beauty and artistic merit. The paintings are considered among Monet’s finest works and are held in prestigious collections around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. The series remains a popular subject of study and admiration, reflecting Monet’s enduring legacy as a leading figure in the Impressionist movement.

7. San Giorgio Maggiore At Dusk

Year: 1908 – 1912

Monet’s “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk” is famous for several reasons:

1. Capturing Venice’s unique atmosphere: Painted during Monet’s visit to Venice in 1908, “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk” captures the unique atmosphere and romantic charm of the city. Monet was particularly drawn to the changing light and reflections in the water, which he masterfully translated onto canvas.
2. Artistic technique: The painting demonstrates Monet’s mature Impressionist style, characterized by his loose brushwork, luminous colors, and emphasis on the effects of light. In “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk,” Monet captures the fading light of the day and its reflection on the water, creating an enchanting and almost dreamlike scene.
3. Focus on a famous landmark: The painting features the church of San Giorgio Maggiore, an iconic landmark in Venice designed by architect Andrea Palladio. By choosing such a recognizable subject, Monet added to the painting’s appeal and connected with viewers familiar with the city’s landmarks.
4. Part of a series: “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk” is part of a larger series of paintings Monet created during his stay in Venice. The series focuses on various landmarks and scenes in the city, all painted with his signature emphasis on light and atmosphere. The Venice series is considered one of the last major series Monet worked on before his death in 1926.
5. Rarity of Venetian subjects: Unlike many other artists who frequently depicted Venice in their work, Monet visited the city only once in his lifetime. As a result, his Venetian paintings, including “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk,” are relatively rare, adding to their desirability and appeal among collectors and art enthusiasts.
6. Influence and legacy: Monet’s Venice paintings, including “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk,” have had a lasting influence on artists who sought to capture the unique beauty and atmosphere of Venice. The painting is a testament to Monet’s enduring legacy as a pioneering Impressionist and his ability to evoke emotion and atmosphere through his innovative use of color and light.

8. Camille or The Woman In The Green Dress

Year: 1866

Monet’s “Camille” or “The Woman in the Green Dress” (also known as “La Femme à la Robe Verte”) is famous for several reasons:

1. Early career success: Painted in 1866, “The Woman in the Green Dress” marked an early career success for Monet. The painting was accepted at the prestigious Paris Salon, a significant accomplishment for the young artist. It received positive reviews and helped establish Monet’s reputation as a talented up-and-coming painter.
2. Departure from academic tradition: While the painting adheres to some traditional elements, such as the full-length portrait format, Monet’s approach deviated from the academic norms of the time. The loose brushwork, strong contrast between light and shadow, and the emphasis on the texture of the dress demonstrated Monet’s inclination towards a more modern style, which would later develop into Impressionism.
3. Depiction of Camille Doncieux: The subject of the painting is Camille Doncieux, who would become Monet’s first wife and the mother of his two sons. Camille was Monet’s favorite model during their time together, and she appeared in several of his paintings. “The Woman in the Green Dress” is one of the earliest and most well-known representations of Camille, making it a particularly significant piece in Monet’s body of work.
4. Fashionable attire: The painting captures the elegance and sophistication of 1860s French fashion. Camille’s green dress, with its intricate details, patterns, and fabric folds, is a striking focal point of the painting. Monet’s skillful rendering of the dress and its textures added to the painting’s appeal and garnered attention from both critics and the public.
5. Connection to Impressionism: Although “The Woman in the Green Dress” predates the emergence of Impressionism as a formal movement, it showcases some elements that would later become hallmarks of Monet’s mature style. The looser brushwork and attention to the interplay of light and shadow are indicative of the artistic direction Monet would take in the years to come. As such, the painting serves as an important link between his early career and his eventual role as a leading figure in the Impressionist movement.
6. Enduring appeal: Despite being created early in Monet’s career, “The Woman in the Green Dress” continues to be admired for its beauty and artistic merit. The painting’s captivating subject, elegant composition, and historical significance make it a treasured piece in Monet’s oeuvre. It is held in high regard by art enthusiasts and scholars alike, who recognize it as an essential work in the development of Monet’s unique style and approach to painting.

9. Woman With a Parasol

Year: 1875

Monet’s “Woman with a Parasol” (also known as “The Stroll” or “Madame Monet and Her Son”) is famous for several reasons:

1. Depiction of Monet’s family: Painted in 1875, “Woman with a Parasol” features Monet’s wife, Camille, and their young son, Jean. This intimate portrayal of the artist’s family adds a personal dimension to the work, highlighting the importance of Monet’s personal life in his art.
2. Impressionist style: The painting is a prime example of Monet’s mature Impressionist style. It showcases his skill in capturing the fleeting effects of light and color in the natural world. The loose brushwork, bright palette, and emphasis on outdoor settings are all hallmarks of the Impressionist movement.
3. Sense of movement: “Woman with a Parasol” conveys a sense of movement and spontaneity. The wind appears to be blowing Camille’s dress and the parasol, while the grass and clouds in the background also suggest motion. This dynamic quality is characteristic of Monet’s work and sets his paintings apart from more traditional, static portraiture.
4. En plein air painting: The painting reflects Monet’s dedication to working en plein air (outdoors), a key aspect of the Impressionist movement. By painting directly from nature, Monet was able to capture the shifting light and atmosphere of the scene with greater accuracy and immediacy.
5. Iconic subject matter: The image of a woman holding a parasol is a recurring theme in Impressionist art, and Monet’s “Woman with a Parasol” is one of the most iconic examples of this subject matter. The painting captures the essence of the era’s leisurely outdoor activities and serves as a symbol of the Impressionist movement’s focus on capturing everyday life.
6. Influence on other artists: Monet’s “Woman with a Parasol” had a significant influence on other artists, both within the Impressionist movement and beyond. The composition, color palette, and emphasis on light and movement in the painting inspired a generation of artists who sought to explore similar themes and techniques in their own work.
7. Enduring appeal: “Woman with a Parasol” continues to be celebrated for its beauty, artistic merit, and historical significance. The painting is considered one of Monet’s masterpieces and is held in prestigious collections around the world, including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The work remains a popular subject of study and admiration, reflecting Monet’s enduring legacy as a leading figure in the Impressionist movement.

10. Bain À La Grenouillère

Year: 1869

Monet’s “Bain à la Grenouillère” (also known as “La Grenouillère” or “The Frog Pond”) is famous for several reasons:

1. Capturing leisure activities: Painted in 1869, “Bain à la Grenouillère” depicts a popular leisure spot on the Seine River near Bougival, where people went to swim, relax, and socialize. The painting captures the essence of the era’s outdoor leisure activities and provides a glimpse into the social life of the time.
2. Early Impressionist style: Although the painting predates the formal establishment of the Impressionist movement, it displays many characteristics that would become hallmarks of the style. Monet’s use of loose brushwork, bright colors, and emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light on the water are all indicative of the direction his art would take in the coming years.
3. Shared subject with Renoir: Interestingly, Monet’s friend and fellow artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir also painted a scene at La Grenouillère during the same period. The two artists worked side by side, and their respective paintings offer a fascinating comparison of their individual approaches and techniques. This collaboration demonstrates the camaraderie and shared artistic goals among the early Impressionists.
4. Innovative approach: In “Bain à la Grenouillère,” Monet broke away from the traditional, detailed landscapes of the time. Instead, he focused on capturing the atmosphere and mood of the scene, using quick, spontaneous brushstrokes to convey the movement and energy of the lively gathering.
5. Influence on Impressionism: The painting can be seen as a precursor to Monet’s more mature Impressionist works and is an important step in the development of the movement. The techniques and themes showcased in “Bain à la Grenouillère” would become central to Impressionism, influencing not only Monet’s future work but also that of other artists within the movement.
6. Celebrating modern life: “Bain à la Grenouillère” is emblematic of the Impressionists’ interest in depicting scenes of contemporary, everyday life. The painting represents a shift away from historical and mythological subjects, which were common in academic art, towards a focus on capturing the modern world and its vibrant energy.
7. Enduring appeal: Today, “Bain à la Grenouillère” is celebrated for its beauty, artistic merit, and historical significance. The painting stands as an important early example of Monet’s evolving style and his pioneering approach to capturing light, color, and movement. It remains a popular subject of study and admiration, reflecting Monet’s enduring legacy as a leading figure in the Impressionist movement.