A Corner of the Apartment

is a painting by Claude Monet, created in 1875. Here are some key details about the artwork:

Subject and Composition

The painting depicts an intimate scene of everyday family life in Monet's second home in Argenteuil, a commune near Paris. The scene includes Monet's eldest son, Jean, born in 1867, standing slightly to the right, a lamp and table in the center, and a figure, likely Monet's wife Camille, sitting on the left in the shadow. The composition features a symmetrical décor with hangings, green plants, and decorative vases, which gives the impression of a curtain opening onto a stage. The herringbone pattern of the parquet floor reinforces the symmetry and emphasizes the perspective, drawing the viewer's eye towards the illuminated area near the window

Color and Atmosphere

The painting is characterized by a blue-tinted space, which evokes an atmosphere of tranquility and poetry. This color range creates a sense of calm and is reminiscent of the childhood world described by author Marcel Proust in his work In Search of Lost Time

Artistic Technique

Monet's work here reflects his attempt to introduce air and light into the interior scene, as noted by art critic Gustave Geffroy in 1894. The child's silhouette is reflected on the parquet floor, lit by daylight from the window, highlighting Monet's focus on capturing light and its effects

Medium and Dimensions

The painting is executed in oil on canvas and measures 810 mm (31.8 inches) in height and 600 mm (23.6 inches) in width

Provenance

The painting was part of several collections before it was accepted by the French state as part of the bequest of Gustave Caillebotte in 1894. It was initially in Monet's collection from 1875 to 1876, then in Caillebotte's collection until 1894. After various exhibitions and relocations, it was finally assigned to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris in 1986

Exhibitions

A Corner of the Apartment has been included in several notable exhibitions, including the Third Impressionist Exhibition, and later at the Musée du Luxembourg, the Louvre, and the Musée d'Orsay. It has also been part of international exhibitions such as The New Painting, Impressionism 1874-1886 and Colours of Impressionism, Masterpieces from the Musée d'Orsay