Screenshot from “Ceux de Chez Nous (Those of Our Land)” in 1915. (Photo: John Hall YouTube)

Claude Monet is one of the most famous painters of the past several centuries. His iconic, colorful images kickstarted the Impressionist movement. From sunrises over the water to everyday life in 19th-century Paris, Monet's work endures as iconic examples of French art. While people today can view his works on exhibit and tour his beloved gardens at Giverny, rare archival footage of Monet painting en plein air provides the ultimate insight into the famous artist's process.

This special moment is captured in silent film footage from 1915. Wearing a hat and sporting his trademark white beard, the elderly painter dabs away at a canvas in front of the rich flowering landscape of the pond at Giverny, which he so famously painted in his many water lily renditions. The painter was recorded by Sacha Guitry, a film director, who set out to capture French luminaries of art and culture for a film entitled Ceux de Chez Nous (Those of Our Land). This film was meant to demonstrate French culture in the face of the German enemy as World War I shattered the peace of places even like Giverny. Like many others, Monet was disturbed by the war, and both his stepson and son were fighting on the front.

As captured on film, Monet's genius in translating landscapes to canvas is bewitching. Even over a hundred years later, watching him at work is still mesmerizing. However, there are many other ways to bring a piece of Monet's legacy into your everyday life. For instance, a hand-crafted candle based on his water lily masterpieces reimagines the painting in a whole new way. Monet is also among the geniuses included in this card deck—which helps teach important art history facts.

Think you already know a lot about Monet? Take this quiz and find out.

Footage of Claude Monet painting in 1915 shows the artist among the flowers of his beloved Giverny in 1915.

Claude Monet, photographed by Nadar in 1899. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Monet, who died in 1926, was a vanguard of the Impressionist movement.

“Impression, Sunrise,” by Claude Monet, 1872. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

The video, entitled Ceux de Chez Nous (Those of Our Land), was made by director Sacha Guitry in 1915 to display French culture to the world.

“Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge,” by Claude Monet, between 1897 and 1899. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Renoir, Degas, and Rodin are among the other luminaries in the film.

Modern Giverny, preserved as Monet left it. (Photo: World3000 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Watch Monet paint at Giverny.

Explore the full archival film, with sound added in 1952 based on recorded interviews during initial filming.

h/t: [Open Culture]

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READ: Rare Footage From 1915 Captures Claude Monet Painting at His Gardens in Giverny

Claude Monet, “Impression Sunrise,” 1872 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Today, Impressionism remains one of the most popular and prevalent types of painting. Considered the catalyst of modern art, the Impressionist genre has played a pivotal role in art history, with its influence evident in a range of artistic practices.

Having left such an important legacy, you may be wondering what could have set such a monumental movement in motion. Unlike most genres, which develop over time, Impressionism is believed to have started in the 1870s with a single work: Impression, Sunrise, a light and airy landscape painting by none other than Claude Monet.

Often referred to as the “Father of Impressionism,” Monet was one of the movement's most prominent members. While the French painter was already an established artist by the time he completed Impression, Sunrise—and subsequently sparked a major art movement—his earlier work exhibits many of the characteristics that would later come to define Impressionism. With this in mind, it is no surprise that he would be the one to officially initiate the Impressionist Movement.

Monet Before Impressionism

Claude Monet, “La Grenouillère,” 1869 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

In 1840, Claude Monet was born in Paris, France. When he was five years old, his family relocated to Le Havre, a seaside town in Normandy. Here, Monet developed his interest in art, which was fostered by his enrollment in an art school in 1851. Even as an adolescent, Monet's work was popular; locals would regularly purchase his prized charcoal studies.

In 1856, under the mentorship of fellow future Impressionist Eugène Boudin, Monet began dabbling in oil paints and painting en plein air, or outdoors—two habits that he would maintain for the rest of his life. “I have never had [a studio]” Monet confided, ” and personally I do not understand why anybody would want to shut themselves up in some room. Maybe for drawing, sure; but not for painting.”

In 1861, Monet was drafted to Algeria for military service. During his seven years in North Africa, he developed a taste for color and light. When he returned to France, he continued to incorporate a sun-soaked palette into his paintings, which he rendered in quick, expressive brushstrokes in order to capture fleeting “impressions” of his surroundings.

A complete rejection of the traditional tastes of Paris' prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts, Monet's approach to painting transformed 19th-century art, with Impression, Sunrise serving as the tipping point.

The Port of Le Havre and Impression: Sunrise

Claude Monet, “The Port of Le Havre, Night Effect,” 1873 (Photo: Wiki Art, Public domain)

In 1872, Monet visited Le Havre. During this holiday, he completed a series of six paintings featuring the Port of Le Havre at various times: daytime, sunset, nighttime, and, of course, dawn.

Monet's painting Impression, Sunrise takes his interest in light, color, and spontaneity to new heights. As with his other works in the series, the artist opted to focus on the sunlight's ephemeral effects on the water. While the hazy silhouettes of rowboats, ships, and smokestacks are evident in the composition, the emphasis is mostly on the breaking sunlight and its undulating reflections.

Why has Impression: Sunrise resonated more strongly than other works in this six-piece series? Ironically, the painting's fame is predominantly due to its initial unpopularity.

The First Exhibition of the Impressionists

“Caricature on Impressionism, on the occasion of their first exhibit,” 1874 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Two years after completing the painting, Monet exhibited Impression, Sunrise in the first Exhibition of the Impressionists, an independent show hosted by Paris' avant-garde artists. Set in the studio of Nadar, a French photographer, the exhibition featured over 200 pieces by the Société Anonyme Coopérative des Artistes Peintres, Sculpteurs, Graveurs, a band of artists including Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley, and others. While these painters exhibited equally controversial work, critics were particularly bemused by Monet's painting—especially its title.

“They are impressionists in that they do not render a landscape, but the sensation produced by the landscape,” Jules Castagnary of Le Siècle, wrote. “The word itself has passed into their language: in the catalog, the Sunrise by Monet is not called landscape, but impression. Thus they take leave of reality and enter the realms of idealism.”

“Dirty three-quarters of a canvas with black and white, rub the rest with yellow, dot it with red and blue blobs at random, and you will have an impression of spring before which the initiates will swoon in ecstasy,” Emile Cardon of La Presse quipped.

Art critic Louis Leroy, who worked for the satirical newspaper, Le Charivari, wrote: “Impression—I knew it. I was just saying to myself, ‘if I'm impressed, there must be an impression in there’… And what freedom, what ease in the brushwork! Wallpaper in its embryonic state is more labored than this seascape!”

While intended to mock the new movement, these critics—especially Leroy, whose words have become particularly infamous—helped propel the movement; following their reviews, the Société Anonyme Coopérative des Artistes Peintres, Sculpteurs, Graveurs rebranded as the Impressionists.

The Influence and Legacy of Impression, Sunrise

Following this name change, the Impressionist movement saw a surge in popularity, with Monet at the forefront. The artist continued to capture “impressions” of his surroundings for the remainder of his life. In 1890 and 1891, he completed a series that explored the effects of light, atmosphere, and seasonal changes on Haystacks; the following few years, he applied the same treatment to a Gothic façade in his Rouen Cathedral series; and, for his most ambitious project, Monet spent 30 years creating 250 large-scale paintings of Water Lilies.

While series such as these now define Monet's oeuvre, one cannot underestimate the role of Impression, Sunrise—especially in the context of the artist's own words and wishes.

“A landscape is only an impression, instantaneous, hence the label they’ve given us—all because of me, for that matter,” Monet recalled. “I’d submitted something done out of my window at Le Havre, sunlight in the mist with a few masts in the foreground jutting up from the ships below. They wanted a title for the catalog; it couldn’t really pass as a view of Le Havre, so I answered: ‘Put down Impression.' Out of that they got impressionism, and the jokes proliferated . . . “

Today, Impression, Sunrise is part of the permanent collection of Paris' Musée Marmottan Monet. Here, it continues to captivate viewers with its radiant color palette, expressive brushwork, and, of course, groundbreaking history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the subject of the painting Impression, Sunrise?

The painting depicts the port of Le Havre in France, with the rising sun casting a hazy orange light over the water and the boats. The painting is often seen as “an ode to the power and beauty of a revitalized France.” It is more of an emotional experience than a visual representation.

What was the controversy with Impression, Sunrise?

Monet's painting was not well-received by art critics at the time. As an era that celebrated realism, his Impressionist style was not fully grasped or celebrated. It was referred to as “Impressionist” as an insult, but the name stuck and Impressionist artists reclaimed the term.

Where is Impression, Sunrise currently located?

Impression, Sunrise is part of the permanent collection of the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, France.

This article has been edited and updated.

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This quiz was generated with the help of ChatGPT. Content was then revised and fact-checked by My Modern Met.

Claude Monet is known as the father of Impressionism and remains one of the most famous painters of all time. Known for his incredible landscape paintings and ability to artistically interpret the fleeting aspect of nature, his work continues to capture the public's imagination.

That's why, for this week's quiz, we thought that we'd test your knowledge of this popular artist. How much do you really know about Monet's life and work? Take this 14-question multiple-choice quiz and put yourself to the test! And if you decide to enter your email address and get the results delivered to your inbox as well, you'll receive even more information about Monet's most famous paintings.

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“The Thinker” by Auguste Rodin. (Photo: Stock Photos from YULIIA MYRONIUK/Shutterstock)

Sculpture has been around since ancient days, from the carvings of prehistoric humans to the painted marble busts of the Romans. In the late 19th century, Paris was a hub for Impressionists and other pioneering artists of all mediums. While painters such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir are widely remembered, their contemporary, sculptor Auguste Rodin, is equally noteworthy.

As the author of one of the most famous sculptures in history—The Thinker—Rodin established himself as France's preeminent sculptor. His talent was not limited to the three-dimensional. His sketches of human subjects are as emotive as the figures he molded in clay. Whether on paper or in bronze, the work of Rodin emphasized naturalism, humanity, and grace in motion.

Scroll down and learn more about Rodin and his incredible work.

The Artist's Early Years

Auguste Rodin, photographed by Nadar in 1891. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Rodin was born in Paris in 1840 to working-class parents. He began drawing as a child before entering formal studies at the Petite École. At 17, he made the first of three unsuccessful attempts to be admitted to the famous École des Beaux-Arts. Although he used a clay sculpture as his application, it apparently did not impress the school. After school, Rodin began working as an artisan, crafting decorative ornaments for mantels and other uses. Aside from a brief desire to take Catholic orders, he continued this line of work for over a decade.

While supporting himself in the decorative arts, Rodin studied fine sculpture under Antoine-Louis Barye—famous for his naturalistic animal sculptures. It is from this teacher that the young sculptor drew the natural depictions of musculature and posture which would become hallmarks of his work. His style was influenced by the sculpture of the 18th century as well as the Renaissance masterpieces of Donatello and Michelangelo; he had a chance to see their works while on a trip to Rome in 1875.

“Age of Bronze,” by Auguste Rodin, modeled 1876, cast circa 1906. (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain)

After his studies, he began working in the studio of another successful French sculptor—Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. The same year the joined the studio, 1866, his son Auguste-Eugène was born. Auguste-Eugène's mother, Rose Beuret, and Rodin had begun their relationship two years prior. While Rodin's commitment to the seamstress often wavered—including an affair with his muse and fellow sculptor Camille Claudel—she was his lifelong companion.

He eventually became Carrier-Belleuse's head assistant and even went with him to Belgium to create decorations for the Brussels Stock Exchange. While the relationship between Rodin and Carrier-Belleuse deteriorated while there, Rodin's time in Brussels and traveling abroad was a crucial moment in his career.

Prior to this, Rodin had exhibited his work in relative obscurity several times during his career in ornamental artistry. But he was living in relative poverty, and it was not until 1877 that he had his big break.

Sculpted in 1876, after returning to Belgium from Italy, The Age of Bronze was a life-sized, naturalistic masterpiece. At the time of its exhibition, Rodin chose to call his work The Conquered Man in reference to the recent French defeat in the Franco-Prussian war. The bronze sculpture apparently caused some stir in Paris. Viewers thought it was too good to be true and that it must have been cast from life. Despite this skepticism, Rodin's career as a “legitimate” sculptor was established.

Still, upon his return to Paris in 1877, he would continue taking on other work to make ends meet, including a long stint as a designer at the famed Sèvres porcelain factory. He worked there part-time until his private art commissions were able to support his family. In the meantime, he began developing relationships with Paris' artistic community and was even invited to show his work at the Paris Salon. When he won the commission to create a portal for a new decorative arts museum in 1880, his reputation was solidified. This commission, known as the Gates of Hell, remained unfinished as Rodin worked on it sporadically for 37 years.

Over the next several decades, as eloquently described by Peter Schjeldahl in The New Yorker in 2017, “With his sensual rendering of flesh, he wrenched figurative sculpture from millennia of tradition and sent it tumbling into modernity.”

Crafted in Clay, Bronze, and Marble

“Eternal Spring,” by Auguste Rodin,
modeled circa 1881, carved 1907. (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain)

Many of the sculptor's most famous works are cast in bronze, but the pieces began as clay. Working with live models, Rodin would sculpt small statues with his own hands. These works were then replicated on a larger scale by his assistants. From the clay original, a plaster cast would be made. This cast allowed for multiple commissions or copies of one work to be created. The final sculptures were usually cast in bronze or carved in marble. No matter the material in which the work was rendered, fluidity, naturalism, and vitality are common characteristics of Rodin's figures.

At times, Rodin combined body parts of separate plaster casts to craft new figures. Shown at a solo exhibit in 1900, The Walking Man combined a recycled torso with the legs Rodin had once used for a rendering of St. John the Baptist. Like many of Rodin's sculptures, both the aforementioned displayed the human body in the nude.

Inspired by the greats such as Michelangelo, Rodin's works were popular—although not free of critique—in France. When invited by American curator Sarah Tyson Hallowell to exhibit several pieces at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, his magnificent marble Cupid and Psyche was considered too risqué for puritanical American sensibilities. The work—and Rodin's other two sculptures—were curtained off for the curious to peek at. Guided by Hallowell, American collectors began to turn their eyes to the French artist.

Legendary Works by Rodin

Mask of the Man with the Broken Nose

“Mask of the Man with the Broken Nose,” modeled 1863 – 1864, cast before 1882. (Photo: RISD, Public domain)

This early sculpture by Rodin was created between 1863 and 1864, but wasn't approved by the Paris Salon un 1875. It was originally rejected because it deferred from the idealized portraits that were commonly accepted. Rodin, however, was proud of the work and said it informed all his later sculptures. He used an amateur model—a worker named Bibi—for the sculpture and favored showing his features, flaws, and all. The deep wrinkles and distorted features were of great interest to Rodin.

The Thinker

“The Gates of Hell,” by Auguste Rodin, a modern copy made from the original plaster, displayed in Zurich. (Photo: Roland zh via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

While his drawings remain relatively uncelebrated, Rodin is one of the most famous sculptors of modern times. His most well-known work—The Thinker—was initially sculpted as part of a larger work commissioned in 1880 by the proposed Decorative Arts Museum in Paris. In the form of massive bronze doors, The Gates of Hell became Rodin's longest project, upon which he labored for 37 years. The 20-foot-high masterpiece never had a home in the museum, as those plans came to nothing.

However, Rodin's sculpture became important in its own right. The figures of the door allegorically and literally illustrate Dante's Inferno, part of the Renaissance epic The Divine Comedy. In this work, Rodin demonstrated his immense talent in illustrating emotion through the human body. Both before and after his death, the overlooking figure on the mantel of the gates (known as  The Thinker) would be cast many times and become an important cultural touchstone.

The Kiss

“The Kiss,” by Auguste Rodin, c. 1881-1882. (Photo: Tylwyth Eldar via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Despite the fame of his pensive masterpiece, other works by Rodin are well known and housed in some of the most prestigious collections around the world. Among the other figures created for The Gates of Hell are a couple entwined in The Kiss. The figures were originally in Rodin's larger hell-inspired work but were later extracted for being too happy for hell. The erotic love scene was one of the statues that scandalized the American public; however, the French government actually commissioned a copy of the work.

The Burghers of Calais

“The Burghers of Calais,” by Auguste Rodin, modeled 1884–95, cast 1985. (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain)

Rodin, like most artists, worked on commission. Among those who requested a monument was the French channel-side town of Calais. Rodin's The Burghers of Calais debuted in 1889. It immortalized the six burghers (wealthy men with privileges of the town) who, in the 14th century, volunteered to be martyrs to the English to spare their townsmen. A monument to the various emotions which may be expected of martyrs, the figures were meant by the artist to be displayed on ground level (eye-level to the townspeople). However, the work was elevated on a pedestal in the end.

Monument to Honoré de Balzac

“Monument to Honoré Balzac,” by Auguste Rodin, modeled 1892–1897, cast 1939. (Photo: Britchi Mirela via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

As a member of the artistic milieu of Belle Époque Paris, Rodin was commissioned to design monuments upon the passing of French literary legends Victor Hugo and Honoré de Balzac. Both commissions caused a stir, as Rodin's pioneering style was not what the public expected to honor their heroes.

In the case of Balzac, he focused on capturing the writer's persona rather than his likeness. However, his vision was not to the liking of the Société des Gens de lettres de France (Society of Men of Letters of France), which commissioned the piece. His depiction of Balzac was defended by fellow Parisian artists, including Claude Monet and Claude Debussy. In fact, the artistic community raised the funds to have it cast, but Rodin declined and kept the plaster cast in his home. It was only well after his death, in 1939, that the Monument to Balzac was cast in bronze. Today it stands in Paris at the intersection of Boulevard du Montparnasse and Boulevard Raspail.

While not strictly an Impressionist, Rodin was a man apart. As Schjeldahl wrote about Rodin and his working-class brethren Renoir, “Their training in commercial aesthetics, aimed to please, distinguished them from their more privileged and urbane Impressionist and Post-Impressionist contemporaries. They loved flesh, which Rodin sensualized and Renoir prettified, both shamelessly. Rodin had no avant-gardist desire to reject academic convention, which, nonetheless, rejected him.”

The Impressionists bucked tradition, and Rodin defied explicit categorization even with the artistic legends of his day.

Rodin's Works on Paper

“The Abandoned,” by Auguste Rodin, 1898–1907. (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain)

Rodin is primarily remembered as a sculptor, but his artistic practice was grounded in pen and paper. Over his career, he created over 10,000 drawings—including many nudes. Late in his life, Rodin said, “It’s very simple. My drawings are the key to my work.”

Although they were not typically used to plan sculpted works, the drawings were part of a larger focus on human form and the emotions of the body. With the same attention to movement as Degas observing the ballerinas, Rodin's sketches ranged from quick studies to the heavily allegorical. Beginning around 1900 with an exhibit of his works on paper at the Exposition Universelle in Paris, Rodin began titling his sketches with allegorical implications and names such as The Abandoned.

Rodin Today

The Rodin Museum, Paris. (Photo: Michael Scaduto via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Rodin passed in 1917 as a renowned name in artistic circles and is heralded for his creative genius. Today, his work is found in museums and as monuments around the world. However, the place to be for any fan of the late sculptor is the Musée Rodin in France. Based at the Hôtel Biron and its gardens in Paris—with a second location at Rodin's former home in Meudon—the museum hosts thousands of sculptural and paper works. The collections also include the works acquired by the artist himself, such as a vast holding of contemporary photographs. Visitors will also find some of the artist's collection of ancient sculptures. Worth a visit any time you are in Paris, the Musée Rodin will interest and surprise even ardent fans of Rodin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Rodin's work so important?

Rodin revolutionized sculpture because he worked outside the traditionally accepted style of his time. After rising up from working as a decorator, his fine art forged a new path. He created sculptures that were not idealized versions of their models, but showed highly expressive versions of individuals. For this reason, Rodin is considered the father of modern sculpture.

Was Rodin inspired by Michelangelo?

Yes, when Rodin traveled to Italy in 1875, he fell in love with Michelangelo's sculpture. He would create drawings after Michelangelo's work and once wrote, “the great magician is going to give me some of his secrets.” His later attention to contours and exaggerated musculature can be directly traced back to the work of the great Italian master.

Where can I find Rodin's sculptures?

Rodin's sculptures can be found in collections around the world. It is not unusual to find multiple bronze casts of the same piece. However, true lovers of Rodin will want to visit the Musée Rodin in France. Located in the artist's former home, it is filled with his sculptures, as well as works on paper.

This artist has been edited and updated.

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This quiz was generated with the help of ChatGPT. Content was then revised and fact-checked by My Modern Met.

We're back with a new quiz to test your knowledge. Do you love Impressionism? You aren't alone. This iconic art movement continues to be a favorite of art lovers. Maybe you are an art history buff who spends your weekend at the museum or perhaps you are a casual art lover who likes a good Monet. In either case, this short, 15-question quiz will help you discover how much you truly know about this important art movement.

So what are you waiting for? The quiz just takes a few minutes, and if you decide to enter your email address at the end, not only will we deliver the results to your inbox, but we'll also give you more information about Impressionism, as well as all the answers to the questions. (Don't worry, entering your email isn't mandatory and you'll still be able to see the results anyway.)

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Few painters are as widely known as Claude Monet. Although radical for the time, his expressive depictions of leisurely scenes and picturesque gardens have since charmed the world with their effortless beauty. While some of his artworks, such as the Water Lilies series, are universally known, he created many artworks over the course of his creative career. Among them is the Haystacks series.

Created over the course of nearly a year, these paintings tackled the same subject—stacks of sheaves of wheat or barley—in different conditions. This repetition allowed Monet to study the effects of light, weather, and seasons on a subject over time, resulting in a mesmerizing collection of canvases befitting his impressive oeuvre.

Here, we will explore the history and significance of Monet's Haystacks series.

Who was Monet?

Photograph of Claude Monet by Nadar, 1899 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Claude Monet (1840–1926) was a French painter who helped pioneer the Impressionist art movement in the 19th century. Born in Paris and raised in Normandy, he displayed a talent for drawing at a young age. When he was 18, Monet met artist Eugène Boudin, who introduced him to painting outdoors, or en plein air—a method that Monet would continue for the rest of his life.

As Monet matured, his painting changed from a realistic style to a somewhat looser approach, where his brushstrokes became more visible and his color palette less constrained. Then, in 1872, Monet created a depiction of a harbor in his hometown of Le Havre, entitled Impressionism, Sunrise. This iconic painting not only gave rise to the Impressionist style but also inspired the movement's now-household name.

Haystacks Series

History

Claude Monet, “Haystacks (End of Summer),” 1890–1891 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

In 1883, when Monet was in his 40s, he settled in Giverny, about 50 miles northwest of Paris. Surrounded by natural landscapes and his carefully cultivated gardens, he found inspiration for countless artworks, including his Water Lilies series and the Haystacks.

One day, Monet became intrigued by the stacks on his neighbor Monsieur Quérel's farm. Although they are now commonly referred to as haystacks, the real subjects were actually sheaves of wheat or barley that were being stored to be used later.

Claude Monet, “Haystacks (Sun in the Mist),” 1890–1891 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

When he decided that the stacks would become his next subject, Monet sat down to paint them en plein air. Originally, he only intended to complete two canvases, however, he soon realized that he could not capture the change of light in just two paintings, so he asked his stepdaughter Blanch Hoschedé to deliver more canvases via wheelbarrow.

At the end of the day, Monet and Hoschedé would bring the supplies back to his home, where he would touch up the canvases in his studio.

Execution

Claude Monet, “Haystacks (Sunset),” 1890–1891 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Monet began working on the Haystacks series in September or October of 1890. Each day, he would rise around 3:30 AM and carry his equipment to the sight. Then, he would work fast, using his characteristic loose brushstrokes, to complete around 10 paintings in a single sitting.

Monet alternated his work on the Haystacks series with other projects like the Water Lilies and Rouen Cathedral, so he could continue to paint while waiting for canvases to dry.

Claude Monet, “Haystacks (Morning Snow Effect),” 1890–1891 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

This process continued through the different seasons until the summer of 1891 when Monet felt satisfied with their breadth of light and color.

Significance

Claude Monet, “Haystacks at sunset, frosty weather,” 1890–1891 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

The primary reason for painting the Haystacks series was to study the light—a theme that interested Monet and other Impressionists greatly. Depending on the time of day, the weather, and the season, the appearance of these stacks changed. Monet's expressive depictions attempted to capture these ephemeral changes and highlight the beauty of light.

Claude Monet, “Haystacks (White Frost Effect),” 1890–1891 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Although Monet is now well known for rendering his subjects multiple times, the Haystacks series was one of his earliest projects that utilized repetition to study the slight variations over time.

Expressionist Wassily Kandinsky remarked on this series, saying, “What suddenly became clear to me was the unsuspected power of the palette, which I had not understood before and which surpassed my wildest dreams.” Fellow Impressionist Camille Pissarro added, “These canvases breathe contentment.”

Books About Monet

Frequently Asked Questions

Who painted the Haystacks?

Impressionist Claude Monet painted the Haystacks series from the fall of 1890 until the summer of 1891.

Why did Monet paint so many Haystacks?

Monet painted the Haystacks series to observe how a subject's appearance changed depending on the time of day, weather, and season.

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Widely known as the first modern art movement, Impressionism remains one of the most popular and prevalent forms of art today. While much of the groundbreaking genre was impressively original, Impressionists, like most artists, found inspiration in other forms of art—namely, in Japanese woodblock prints.

Here, we explore the ways in which Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world,” inspired the Impressionists in terms of content, style, and approach, culminating in a creative and timelessly artistic relationship.

What is Japonisme?

Japonisme is a word used to describe the study of Japanese art and, more specifically, its influence on European works. While the phenomenon is present in a range of movements—including Art Nouveau and Post-Impressionism—it is most closely associated with Impressionism, as artists like Claude Monet and Edgar Degas were particularly inspired by the subject matter, perspective, and composition of Japanese woodblock prints.

Claude Monet, “Camille Monet in Japanese Costume,” 1875 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

History of Japonisme

In 1874, the same year that Impressionism officially emerged with Claude Monet's painting, Impression, Sunrise, French collector and critic Philippe Burty coined the term Japonisme. While, today, the term refers to all Japanese art forms' influence on any art movement, it is usually used to describe woodblock prints' prominent role in Impressionism.

Monet's collection of Ukiyo-e prints at his home in Giverny, France (Photo: Dr. Avishai Teicher via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Though Ukiyo-e prints had only recently made their way into Western consciousness a few decades earlier, they were already extraordinarily popular with European artists and art lovers alike. Claude Monet, for example, had amassed an impressive collection of woodblock prints, most of which still hangs in his Giverny home today.

Given their admiration for Ukiyo-e prints, it is no surprise that Impressionist artists incorporated elements of the art form into their own work.

Japanese Influence on Impressionism

Everyday Subject Matter

Claude Monet, “Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge,” 1899 (Photo: Princeton University Art Museum via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Impressionist artists are known for their distinctive subject matter, including everyday scenes like depictions of nature and candid portraits. While this approach is quintessentially characteristic of the movement, it actually has roots in Japanese prints.

Hokusai, “Under Mannen Bridge at Fukagawa,” 1823 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Tell-tale title aside, Monet's iconic collection of Japanese Bridge depictions clearly references Ukiyo-e scenes of everyday life, while Edgar Degas‘ signature series of women at la toilette is undoubtedly inspired by the voyeuristic depictions of bathing women frequently found in Japanese prints.

Left: Edgar Degas, “Woman Combing her Hair,” 1885 (Photo: Hermitage via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Right: Hashiguchi Goyo, “Combing Hair,” 1920 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Unique Perspective

Camille Pissarro, “Boulevard Montmartre,” 1897 (Photo: Hermitage via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

In addition to sharing similar subject matter, Impressionist paintings and Japanese woodblock prints also showcase a unique approach to perspective. Often, the viewer's vantage point is from above and positioned at a slight angle.

Hiroshige, “Sugura street,” 1836 (Photo: Visipix via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

This allows us to see scenes in their entirety, almost as if they are set on a theatrical stage and we are observing from the audience.

Other examples feature asymmetrical perspectives and strong diagonal lines.

Edgar Degas, “The Rehearsal Onstage,” 1874 (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Suzuki Harunobu, “Woman Admiring Plum Blossoms at Night,” c. 18th century (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Flat Compositions

Left: Mary Cassatt, “The Letter,” 1890–1891 (Photo: Kathleen via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Right: Toshikata Mizuno, “After the Bath: Woman of the Kansei Era,” 1893 (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

While it seems like employing such a fascinating perspective would result in dimensionality, typically, woodblock prints' compositions are quite flat, with solid planes of color and bold lines taking precedence over realism. Though some Impressionist artists did not follow suit and instead opted for a sense of depth, some, like Mary Cassatt, embraced this aesthetic.

When combined with the similarities in subject matter and like-minded approach to perspective, this fascinating flat aesthetic perfectly captures the distinctive look and feel of Japanese woodblock prints.

Decorative Color

Left: Mary Cassatt, “Woman Bathing,” 1890–1891 (Photo: The Met via Wikimedia Commons via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 Public domain dedication)
Right: Utagawa Hiroshige, “Moonlight View of Tsukuba with Lady on a Balcony,” c. 1850–1856 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Another characteristic of art influenced by Japanese prints is brilliant color. Impressionist artists employed a decorative color palette in their compositions, oftentimes incorporating patterns and prints to enhance the visual appeal.

Left: Edgar Degas, “In the Theater,” c. 1880s (Photo: Wikimedia Commons via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Right: Toyohara Chikanobu, “Evening Bell at Asakusa,” 1888 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

This article has been edited and updated.

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As a prominent Impressionist artist, Mary Cassatt (1844–1926) is often regarded as one of art history's most famous female painters. An unmarried American woman living in Paris, Cassatt was able to make a name for herself in the male-dominated movement, defying 19th-century gender expectations and paving the way for future female artists.

In addition to admiring her canvases, understanding the context of her art is an important aspect of appreciating her role in both Impressionism and in the realm of modern art. While her most well-known pieces were produced when she was an established artist, her desire to become a painter can be traced back to her childhood.

Who Was Mary Cassatt?

Mary Cassatt, “Self-Portrait,” c. 1878 (Photo: The Met via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

American artist Mary Cassatt (1844–1926) was an influential female painter involved with the Impressionist art movement in 19th-century France. Her colorful portrayals of mothers and children and solitary women remain some of the most famous Impressionist paintings, indicative of the style characterized by loose brush strokes, a bright color palette, and flat compositions.

Early Interest in Art

As Cassatt's career was largely based in Europe, it is no surprise that traveling abroad as a child is what sparked her interest in art. In the 1850s, Cassatt spent many years in Germany and France, where she picked up the languages and developed an interest in drawing. Following her return to Philadelphia, she enrolled in the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where she began to study painting in 1861.

Charles Soulier, Paris in 1865 (Photo: Library of Congress via The National Gallery of Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

While her parents supported her interest in the arts, they—like many other people during this time—did not deem it a suitable career for a woman. Nevertheless, she continued her artistic education until 1865, when she grew tired of the restraints placed upon female students. One year later, she moved to Paris, France, where her career came to fruition.

Life in Paris

Mary Cassatt, “Two Women Throwing Flowers,” 1872 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Traditionally, most aspiring artists living in Paris studied at the École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts). Due to her gender, however, Cassatt was not allowed to attend. To make up for this loss, she paired independent study (she was privately taught by Jean-Léon Gérôme, a prominent French painter) with hands-on learning as a Louvre copyist.

In addition to producing copies of masterpieces, Cassatt created original paintings during her early years in Paris, including Two Women Throwing Flowers. With the hope of being selected for the traditional salon—an annual exhibition that featured hand-picked paintings—most of these works are painted in a realist style. Frustrated by a string of salon rejections and unhappy with the treatment of female participants, however, she abandoned this path and found her place among Paris' avant-garde up-and-comers, the “Impressionists.”

Joining the Impressionists

Left: Edgar Degas, “Self-Portrait,” 1854-55 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Right: Mary Cassatt, “Self-Portrait,” c.1880 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Cassatt was invited to exhibit with the Impressionists by Edgar Degas, an established artist whose work Cassatt had admired for years. The Impressionists were connected by a unique approach to painting, characterized by a preference for thick brushstrokes, an interest in everyday subject matter, and a habit of painting en plein air, or outdoors. While most of the artists associated with the movement—including Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir—were male, the Impressionists accepted and exhibited female artists, including “virtuoso colorist” Berthe Morisot and, of course, Mary Cassatt.

Mary Cassatt, “Little Girl in a Blue Armchair,” 1878 (Photo: National Gallery of Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Cassatt began showing her work—like the iconic Little Girl in Blue Armchair—with the Impressionists in 1879, five years after the group's first independent exhibition. For the remainder of her career, she would reject realism and abandon the confines of her studio in order to produce Impressionist paintings and pastels.

Characteristics of Mary Cassatt's Art

Bright Color Palette

Mary Cassatt, “The Boating Party,” 1893–1894 (Photo: The National Gallery of Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Cassatt developed a recognizable style and approach to subject matter. Stylistically, her art is characterized by luminous color. Additionally, while her paintings feature loose, expressive brushwork, she used her pastels—inspired by Degas' use of the medium—as a way to experiment with techniques and compositions.

Depictions of Mothers and Children

Left: Mary Cassatt, “The Child's Bath,” 1893 (Photo: Google Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Right: Mary Cassatt, “The Barefoot Child,” 1897 (Photo: Bowdoin College Museum of Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

While her style is celebrated, Cassatt is best known for her choice of subject matter. Most of her art features depictions of mothers and children in quiet, everyday moments between the pairs. The Barefoot Child, The Boating Party, and The Child's Bath each depict this interest, which has become intrinsically associated with the artist's oeuvre.

Emphasis on Women

Mary Cassatt, “Woman with a Fan,” c. 1878–1879 (Photo: The National Gallery of Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

In addition to mother-child relationships, Cassatt also featured solitary female figures as her subjects, as apparent in well-known works like Lady With a Fan. After 1900, however, Cassatt would work almost exclusively on her signature maternal portraits.

Japonisme

Left: Mary Cassatt, “The Letter,” 1890–1891 (Photo: Kathleen via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Right: Mary Cassatt, “Woman Bathing,” 1890–1891 (Photo: National Gallery of Canada via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Like many Impressionists, Cassatt was also linked to Japonisme, the study of Japanese art and, more specifically, its influence on European works. This influence is primarily evident in her interest in intimately capturing female subjects (a key feature of Japanese woodblock prints), as well as the flatness of color, form, and perspective present in many of her works. Woman Bathing and The Letter both illustrate this aesthetic influence.

Legacy

Edgar Degas, “Portrait of Mary Cassatt,” c. 1880–1884 (Photo: Google Art Project via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Along with several of her contemporaries, Cassatt is viewed as one of the pioneers of early modern art. While not as widely known as other Impressionists, today, she is becoming increasingly studied, exhibited, and recognized for her contributions to the history of art.

This article has been edited and updated.

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In the 1870s, the western art world was turned upside-down with the emergence of Impressionism, an avant-garde art movement. Born in Paris, France, Impressionism was founded by a unique group of artists who each opted to abandon traditional rules of art in favor of a new approach. Characterized by quick, painterly brushstrokes and a unique use of color based on the effects of light, this novel style of painting enabled the artists to capture fleeting impressions of everyday life—an interest that unified them and eventually led to their “Impressionist” title.

While a myriad of artists influenced the iconic movement, the work of a select few has resonated particularly strongly over the last century. Here, we explore the work of these iconic Impressionist painters in order to understand their respective contributions to the first modern art movement.

In this Impressionist artists list, we take a closer look at the painters who started the iconic movement.

Camille Pissarro (1830–1903)

Camille Pissarro, “Self-Portrait,” 1873 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Originally from the island of St Thomas, Camille Pissarro (1830–1903) was the oldest painter among the Impressionist collective and the only one to exhibit at all eight exhibitions. Like his contemporaries, Pissarro captured landscapes and individuals in their natural settings using quick painting techniques. He also acted as an influential teacher for important artists, including Paul Cézanne. In addition, Pissarro was one of the few Impressionist artists who immersed himself in the subsequent Post-Impressionist movement, incorporating approaches like Pointillism into his work.

Famous works of art: Boulevard Montmartre series (1897)

Edgar Degas (1834–1917)

Edgar Degas, “Self-Portrait,” c. 1863 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Unlike other Impressionists, Edgar Degas (1834–1917) was not preoccupied with light and nature. Instead, he preferred to capture intimate indoor depictions (seen “as if you looked through a key-hole”). This interest is evident in his collection of ballet paintings—set both in studios and on stage—as well as his voyeuristic pastel series of women at la toilette. Though less prevalent than ballerinas and bathers, horseback riders often appear in Degas' oeuvre.

Famous works of art: The Dance Class (1875), L'Absinthe (1875–1876)

Alfred Sisley (1839–1899)

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, “Portrait of Alfred Sisley,” 1876 (Photo: Art Institute of Chicago via Wikimedia Commons, PD-US)

Born in Paris to British parents, Alfred Sisley (1839–1899) befriended Renoir and Bazille early in his career, and ultimately became an integral member of the Impressionist group. Like many of the others, he gravitated towards en plein air paintings of bucolic landscapes and scenes of rural France. Although he was overshadowed by his contemporaries, he remains a key figure in the development of this style.

Famous paintings: A Street in Moret (c. 1890)

Claude Monet (1840–1926)

Claude Monet, “Self-Portrait in Beret,” 1886 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Claude Monet (1840–1926) is the artist most closely associated with Impressionism. This is due in part to Impression, Sunrise, a piece he painted in 1872. A depiction of his hometown's harbor, the painting portrays several characteristics distinctive of the movement, from its thick brushwork to its focus on light. Impression, Sunrise was featured in 1874's Exhibition of the Impressionists—the first Impressionist show—and thereafter inspired the movement's now-household name. In addition to Impression, Sunrise, Monet is also widely praised for his later canvases. These include depictions of his Japanese bridge in Giverny, snapshots of fin-de-siècle Paris, and his iconic Water Lilies series.

Famous works of art: Impression, sunrise (1872), Water Lilies series (1883–1926)

Marie Bracquemond (1840–1916)

Photo of Marie Bracquemond, c. 1880 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, PD-US)

Marie Bracquemond (1840–1916) was one of “les trois grandes dames” of Impressionism who defied the expectations of women at the time to become an admired painter. Although she was married to a fellow artist, her husband did not approve of the Impressionist style and often criticized her work. Fortunately, she found mentorship under Monet and Degas, who helped her carefully planned canvases shine.

Famous paintings: Three Women with Umbrellas (The Three Graces) (1880)

Pierre Auguste-Renoir (1841–1919)

Frédéric Bazille, “Portrait of Pierre-Auguste Renoir,” 1867 (Photo: Musée d'Orsay via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Renowned for his soft depictions of fellow artists, friends, and family members, Pierre Auguste-Renoir (1841–1919) is predominantly regarded as a portrait painter. Often set outdoors, his portrayals—like The Luncheon of the Boating Party—are composed of saturated color and illuminated by dappled sunlight.

When not painting large groups, the artist usually employed female subjects, whose beauty he admired. “To my mind, a picture should be something pleasant, cheerful, and pretty, yes pretty!” he famously exclaimed. “There are too many unpleasant things in life as it is without creating still more of them.”

Famous works of art: Bal du moulin de la Galette (1876), Luncheon of the Boating Party (1880–1881)

Berthe Morisot (1841–1895)

Berthe Morisot, “Self-Portrait,” 1885 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Berthe Morisot (1841–1895) made a name for herself in the heavily male art world as an Impressionist painter. She produced small-scale oil paintings and pastels on unprimed canvas, giving her pieces a distinctive, almost unfinished appearance. Additionally, she favored planes of white pigment, which boldly stand out against her distinctively bold black accents. Because of this unique approach to color, she is often regarded as Impressionism's “virtuoso colorist.”

Famous works of art: The Cradle (1872)

Frédéric Bazille (1841–1870)

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, “Portrait of Frédéric Bazille Painting ‘The Heron’,” 1867 (Photo: Musée d'Orsay via Wikimedia Commons, PD-US)

Although he only lived to the age of 28, Frédéric Bazille (1841–1870) was close friends with the Impressionists and an important member of the movement. His short career was prolific, and he produced a number of works indoors and en plein air. His best-known works tend to be portraits with one or more figures.

Famous paintings: Family Reunion (1867–1868)

Mary Cassatt (1844–1936)

Mary Cassatt, “Self-Portrait,” c. 1878 (Photo: The Met via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Initially introduced to Paris' premier artists by Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt (1844–1936)—an American artist—would become a key figure in the French, male-dominated movement. Cassatt is known for her interest in representing women and girls in her art, which mostly manifested as quiet, mother-daughter depictions. However, some of her pieces, like her celebrated Little Girl in a Blue Armchair, depict women and girls in a state of solitary reflection.

Famous works of art: Little Girl in Blue Armchair (1878), Child's Bath (1893)

Gustave Caillebotte (1848–1894)

Gustave Caillebotte, “Self-Portrait,” c. 1889 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, PD-US)

With a more realistic style that found inspiration in photography, Gustave Caillebotte (1848–1894) was a key figure in the Impressionist movement. His substantial inheritance allowed him to pursue art with ease and fund some of the other Impressionist members. His interest in reality, Japanese prints, and photography place him in Impressionism, in spite of his highly naturalistic style.

Famous paintings: Paris Street; Rainy Day (1877)

Legacy

Together, these artists helped pioneer and popularize Impressionism, and therefore, started the modern art movement. Their work would go on to influence ensuing movements, like Post-Impressionism, and many contemporary artists continue to adopt and adapt the recognizable Impressionist approach—one brushstroke at a time.

Check out our collection of 15 famous Impressionist paintings to learn more about this beloved art movement.

This article has been edited and updated.

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Most of art history can be traced to the formation of different art movements. From the drama of the Baroque to the emotion of Romanticism, these movements reflect the views of the time. Then, in the 1870s, a new revolutionary style emerged, called Impressionism.

Led by Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, this groundbreaking movement went against the painting standards of the time. Instead of pursuing realism, Impressionist artists emphasized light, movement, and atmosphere in their portrayals of everyday life. As a result, their works captured fleeting moments in time.

Want to learn more about Impressionism? Scroll down to see a selection of 15 famous paintings by the masters of this iconic 19th-century style.

Take a tour of Impressionism by learning about these 15 famous paintings.

Claude Monet, Impression, Sunrise, 1872

Claude Monet, “Impression, Sunrise,” 1872 (Photo: Musée Marmottan Monet via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Claude Monet exhibited Impression, Sunrise in the First Exhibition of the Impressionists, an independent show hosted by Paris' avant-garde artists. Its radical style and apt title led to a flurry of negative reviews by local art critics.

“They are impressionists in that they do not render a landscape, but the sensation produced by the landscape,” Jules Castagnary of Le Siècle, wrote. “The word itself has passed into their language: in the catalog, the Sunrise by Monet is called not landscape, but impression. Thus they take leave of reality and enter the realms of idealism.”

In the end, however, it was this painting and its reviews that gave Impressionists their name.

Berthe Morisot, The Cradle, 1872

Berthe Morisot, “The Cradle,” 1872 (Photo: Musée d'Orsay via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Berthe Morisot was one of les trois grandes dames, or “three great women,” of Impressionism, alongside Mary Cassatt and Marie Bracquemond. The Cradle was exhibited alongside Monet's Impression, Sunrise at the First Impressionist Exhibition of 1874, and received praise for its “feminine grace.”

Claude Monet, Woman with a Parasol, 1875

Claude Monet, “Woman With a Parasol,” 1875 (Photo: National Gallery of Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Woman with a Parasol depicts Monet's wife and young son atop a grassy hill in Argenteuil. He uses an array of expressive brushstrokes in the sky and field to create a windy atmosphere. Similarly, the drapery of his wife's white, voluminous gown and the straps of her bonnet enhance the breeziness of the moment.

Edgar Degas, The Dance Class, 1875

Edgar Degas, “The Dance Class,” 1875 (Photo: Musée d'Orsay via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

While most Impressionists depicted outdoor scenes, Edgar Degas preferred human subjects and interior spaces. In particular, he dedicated much of his creative career to capturing performers at work, most notably, ballerinas. The Dance Class is one of his earliest forays into this field.

“People call me the painter of dancing girls,” Degas told Parisian art dealer Ambroise Vollard. “It has never occurred to them that my chief interest in dancers lies in rendering movement and painting pretty clothes.”

Edgar Degas, Place de la Concord, 1875

Edgar Degas, “Place de la Concorde,” 1875 (Photo: Hermitage Museum via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Place de la Concorde depicts artist and patron Ludovic-Napoléon Lepic with his daughters and dog at a public square in Paris. The large amount of negative space, cropped figures, and unusual composition suggest Degas was influenced by photography.

Edgar Degas, L’Absinthe, 1875–6

Edgar Degas, “L'Absinthe,” 1875–6 (Photo: Musée d'Orsay via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Compared to other Impressionist paintings, and even many other works by Degas, L'Absinthe stands out for its subdued color palette and dark subject matter. It portrays a woman and man at a table in a bar, both of whom appear visibly despondent. In front of the woman is a glass of absinthe, which was a popular drink of the time. Although it was a controversial painting during Degas' lifetime, it has since become significant for its portrayal of a less-seen “impression” of contemporary life.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Bal du Moulin de la Galette, 1876

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, “Bal du moulin de la Galette,” 1876 (Photo: Musée d'Orsay via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Pierre-Auguste Renoir created Bal du moulin de la Galette in 1876, while Impressionism was still in its early stages. It depicts a crowd of jubilant people including actors, artists, critics, and Renoir's family members at the original Moulin de la Galette, an outdoor dance hall in Montmartre. The sun-dappled lighting, delicate brushstrokes, and sensual female figures are all emblematic of Renoir's style.

Claude Monet, La Gare Saint-Lazare, 1877

Claude Monet, “La Gare Saint-Lazare,” 1877 (Photo: Musée d'Orsay via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

La Gare Saint-Lazare is the first in Monet's series of 12 paintings based at the Gare Saint-Lazare railway station in Paris. It captures a train in motion, as plumes of steam and smoke fill the building and cloud the sky, and pedestrians dot the train tracks below. This series stands out in Monet's oeuvre for its more urban subject matter—as the artist was better known for his nature-inspired works.

Gustave Caillebotte, Paris Street; Rainy Day, 1877

Gustave Caillebotte, “Paris Street; Rainy Day,” 1877 (Photo: Art Institute of Chicago via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Painted in 1877, Paris Street; Rainy Day is one of Gustave Caillebotte's most celebrated paintings—and a key piece of Impressionism. While more realistic in the modeling of its figures, the piece employs a striking composition with cropped figures that is clearly inspired by the new practice of photography. Altogether, this serves to capture a fleeting “impression” of a contemporary city scene, which was a core desire of the art movement.

Mary Cassatt, Little Girl in a Blue Armchair, 1878

Mary Cassatt, “Little Girl in a Blue Armchair,” 1878 (Photo: National Gallery of Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

While not as widely known as other Impressionists, Mary Cassatt was one of the pioneers of early modern art. Originally from America, she moved to Paris to pursue a career in painting. There, she came into contact with Degas and other Impressionists and joined their movement. Little Girl in a Blue Armchair is one of her most successful works and an early example of her depictions of children. The asymmetrical composition also demonstrates Degas' influence, who was her teacher for many years.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Luncheon of the Boating Party, 1880–1

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, “Luncheon of the Boating Party,” 1880–1 (Photo: The Phillips Collection via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Luncheon of the Boating Party was displayed at the Seventh Impressionist Exhibition in 1882 to wide appreciation. The painting combines all of the subjects that Renoir most loved to paint—still lifes, portraits, and outdoor scenes. Again, this oil painting focuses on leisure activities, as the group is shown having lunch on the sunny balcony of the Maison Fournaise, a restaurant where one could rent boats not far from Paris.

Mary Cassatt, The Child's Bath, 1893

Mary Cassatt, “The Child’s Bath,” 1893 (Photo: Art Institute of Chicago via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

As Cassatt's painting matured, she focused on one subject in particular—mother and child relationships. The Child's Bath is one of her most iconic pieces for its striking perspective, pastel color palette, and composition. It also reflects Cassatt's fascination with Japanese woodblock prints—a popular muse for many Impressionists of the time.

Camille Pissarro, Pont Boieldieu in Rouen, Rainy Weather, 1896

Camille Pissarro, “Pont Boieldieu in Rouen, Rainy Weather,” 1896 (Photo: Art Gallery of Ontario via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

As one of the founding members of the Impressionist movement, Camille Pissarro played a large role in developing the style and encouraging independent exhibitions of an artist's work. His most famous works depict urban scenes from high-up angles. Pont Boildieu in Rouen, Rainy Weather is part of a series of works he made while staying in Rouen.

Pissarro describes the painting in a letter: “The theme is the bridge near the Place de la Bourse with the effects of rain, crowds of people coming and going, smoke from the boats, quays with cranes, workers in the foreground, and all this in grey colors glistening in the rain.”

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, The Large Bathers, 1884–7

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, “The Large Bathers,” 1884–7 (Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

The Large Bathers was made after Renoir visited Italy and saw some of his favorite works by Titian and Raphael in person. As a result, this piece continues the tradition of bathers in art in the Impressionist style. It depicts three women bathing in the foreground while two wash in the background. While at first, the painting received mixed reception for its departure from typical Impressionism, it has since become a favorite for its attempt to merge history with modernity.

Claude Monet, Water Lilies and the Japanese Bridge, 1897–99

Claude Monet, “Water Lilies with a Japanese Bridge,” 1897–99 (Photo: Princeton University Art Museum via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

From 1883 until his death 43 years later, Monet lived in idyllic Giverny, France. There, he surrounded himself with beauty, as evident in his home's sunny interiors, the collection of Japanese woodblock prints that hung on his walls, and the oriental-inspired gardens he constructed steps from his front door—a colorful creation he famously called his “most beautiful masterpiece.”

Water Lilies with a Japanese Bridge depicts the crown jewel of his garden—the Japanese bridge which frames the man-made pond of water lilies.

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