Subject and Location

The paintings depict stacks of harvested wheat, possibly barley or oats, located in the fields near Monet's home in Giverny, France. These stacks belonged to Monet's farmer-neighbour, Monsieur Quéruel.

Series and Technique

Monet painted a total of 25 canvases for this series, capturing the same subject under various lighting and weather conditions. He began painting in late September or early October 1890 and continued for about seven months. Monet's technique involved using short, dense brushstrokes and a focus on the 'enveloppe' – the atmosphere and light surrounding the stacks – rather than the objects themselves.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

The stacks of wheat were not just mundane subjects but carried significant cultural and symbolic meanings. They represented the fertility of the land, the material wealth of local farmers, and the region's prosperity. They also symbolized the persistence of rural traditions in the face of increasing industrialization and urbanization.

Exhibition and Impact

In May 1891, Monet exhibited 15 of these canvases at the Galerie Durand-Ruel in Paris, which was a critical and financial success. This exhibition marked a breakthrough in Monet’s career and in the history of French art.

Specific Painting: "Grainstack (Sunset)"

One of the paintings from this series, "Grainstack (Sunset)," is housed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It was painted in 1891 and features a stack of wheat at sunset. The painting is notable for its exploration of light, color, and form, and it symbolizes the traditional themes of agricultural fertility and local prosperity.

Dimensions and Medium

The paintings in the series vary in size, but a typical example is around 60 cm x 100 cm (23 5/8 in x 39 3/8 in). They are all oil on canvas.