Water Lilies (1919)
Created between 1916 and 1919, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies represents a pinnacle of Impressionist art, showcasing his garden pond at Giverny. The vibrant scene depicts floating water lilies with reflections that dance across the canvas, reflecting Monet's genius at capturing ephemeral light. This painting is part of a monumental series that exemplifies his pioneering techniques as he sought to depict not just flowers and water but the very essence of nature itself in shifting perspectives. Displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this work is celebrated for both its beauty and its historical significance.
1916 - 1919
About the Artwork
Monet began his water lilies series in the late 1890s, driven by his love for his garden at Giverny and a quest to explore the effects of light on water. The late flowering of his art is seen in the 1919 painting, where he increasingly experiments with color and form, often disregarding physical reality for the play of light on the water’s surface. The backdrop of the World War I heavily influenced this series, symbolizing hope and serenity in a time of turmoil. Monet's decision to offer some of these paintings to the French State as a gift for peace further solidifies its place in art history, reflecting his desire for harmony after conflict.
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Did You Know
Monet offered parts of the Water Lilies series to the French State shortly after World War I, symbolizing hope and peace in the aftermath of the conflict.
Monet often omitted the horizon line in his water lily paintings, creating an immersive experience that brings viewers into his dreamy underwater landscape, blurring the distinction between water and sky.
Monet’s attachment to his garden at Giverny inspired much of his work. He meticulously designed and cultivated the garden to provide a vibrant, ever-changing palette for his paintings.
