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The Move Toward Modernism: A Look at Monet

Chapter 31Humanities 103

Instructor Beth Camp

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Impressionism 1875-1900

Transitory visual impressions Painted directly from nature (“plein air”) Observed nature closely Used “broken color” to show form and

luminosity Rejected academic standards, romantic

emotion or imagination

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Challenge Question:

Do the paintings by Monet reinforce or contradict your understanding of Impressionism?

As you view these works, select two paintings which you think are “most representative” of Monet’s work.

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Claude Monet (1840-1926)

“Suddenly, it was as though a veil had been ripped from my eyes. I understood, I saw, what painting could be! From that moment on, my way was clear, my destiny decreed. I would be a painter no matter what. And I understood nature and I learned at the same time to love it.”

Monet at 18; Boudin introduces him toplein air painting

Next: Bathing at La Grenouillere (1869)

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Monet

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Monet

Boulevard des Capucines (1873)

Next: The Railroad Bridge at Argenteuil (1874)

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Monet

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Monet

The Stroll, Camille Monet and her son Jean (Woman with a Parasol), (1875)

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Claude Monet (1840-1926)

“When you go out to paint, try to forget what objects you have before you -- a tree, a house, a field, or whatever. Merely think: Here is a little square of blue, here an oblong of pink, here a streak of yellow, and paint it just as it looks to you, the exact color and shape, until it gives your own naïve impression of the scene before you.”

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Claude Monet (1840-1926)

Landscapes Impressions: Sunrise (1873) Wheatstacks (End of Summer)

(1890-1891)

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Monet

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Monet

Rouen Cathedral, the West Portal, Full Sunlight, Harmony in Blue and Gold (1893)

Next: Water Lilies (1906)

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Courbet

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Claude Monet (1840-1926)

“One day I believe I have a masterpiece, then it turns to nothing; I fight, I fight without advancing. I think I am searching for the impossible although I am full of courage.”

• Monet quoted in “Monet to Moore,” Portland Art Museum,

1999-2000

Next: The Japanese Bridge (1918-1924)

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About Monet

What is your impression of Monet‘s work? Which one or two paintings were you

most intrigued by? Why? How would you describe the “subtext” of

Monet’s work?

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Challenge Question:

Did the paintings by Monet reinforce or contradict your understanding of Impressionism?

Which two paintings are “most representative” of Monet’s work and why?

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Sources

Slides from Mark Hardin’s Artchive “Monet to Moore,” Portland Art Museum, 1999-

2000 Follow-up:

Do some additional reading about these three painters. What did each contribute?

How are they different? How are they alike? What were the most memorable images from

this slide show? Why?