Water Lilies

by Claude Monet (French, 1840–1926)

1906

About This Artwork

“One instant, one aspect of nature contains it all,” said Claude Monet, referring to his late masterpieces, the water landscapes that he produced at his home in Giverny between 1897 and his death in 1926. These works replaced the varied contemporary subjects he had painted from the 1870s through the 1890s with a single, timeless motif—water lilies. The focal point of these paintings was the artist’s beloved flower garden, which featured a water garden and a smaller pond spanned by a Japanese footbridge. In his first water-lily series (1897–99), Monet painted the pond environment, with its plants, bridge, and trees neatly divided by a fixed horizon. Over time, the artist became less and less concerned with conventional pictorial space. By the time he painted Water Lilies, which comes from his third group of these works, he had dispensed with the horizon line altogether. In this spatially ambiguous canvas, the artist looked down, focusing solely on the surface of the pond, with its cluster of vegetation floating amid the reflection of sky and trees. Monet thus created the image of a horizontal surface on a vertical one.


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Curator's Notes
Delve into the mesmerizing beauty of Water Lilies, a masterpiece that captures the serene elegance of nature. Painted by the iconic artist Claude Monet, this piece stands as a testament to the artist's love for impressionistic portrayals of the natural world. Each stroke of the brush embodies Monet's passion and keen eye for capturing the fleeting effects of light and reflection upon water. The timeless allure of Water Lilies has transcended centuries, constantly evoking tranquility and contemplation among art enthusiasts. Its harmonious blend of colors and fluid technique not only pioneered the Impressionist movement but also influenced countless artists thereafter. A symbol of peace and artistic genius, this artwork remains an everlasting favorite in both art museums and popular culture. Experience the delicate interplay of color and light, and let your imagination wander into Monet's tranquil world of water lilies.
Additional Information
Monet's Water Lilies series showcases groundbreaking Impressionist techniques, emphasizing light and atmosphere over detail. These paintings highlight the artist's fascination with capturing the transient beauty of natural scenes, notably his own garden at Giverny. Monet's innovative approach profoundly influenced modern art, offering a fresh perspective on landscape painting. Water Lilies remains embedded in popular culture, inspiring modern fashion, design, and cinema, such as their iconic presence in exhibitions and films reflecting serenity and beauty.
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Artwork Details
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 89.9 × 94.1 cm (35 3/8 × 37 1/16 in.); Framed: 103.2 × 107 × 5.8 cm (40 5/8 × 42 1/8 × 2 1/4 in.)
Position: #9 in collection
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