Claude Monet

Claude Monet was a French painter, a founder of Impressionism, and one of the most renowned figures in the history of art. Born on November 14, 1840, in Paris, he grew up in Le Havre, Normandy. Monet showed an early interest in art, studying at the Le Havre secondary school of the arts and later in Paris where he was influenced by artists such as Eugène Boudin and Johan Barthold Jongkind, as well as the Barbizon School. Monet's style evolved into Impressionism, characterized by loose brushwork, a focus on light and color, and an emphasis on capturing a moment in time. He was a key figure in the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874, where his painting 'Impression, Sunrise' gave the movement its name. His dedication to capturing natural light led to a series of iconic works, including 'Water Lilies,' 'The Japanese Bridge,' and 'Rouen Cathedral series.' Monet's innovative techniques and dedication to plein air painting had a profound impact on the development of modern art. His later works, particularly those depicting his garden in Giverny, pushed the boundaries of color and abstraction. Monet passed away on December 5, 1926, in Giverny, leaving behind a transformative legacy that continues to influence artists today.