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In 1893, Monet, who loved gardening, bought a plot of land near his Giverny property, intending to build something “that would be both a pleasure and a distinct theme”. Hence his water lily garden. In 1899 he began working on 18 landscapes of wooden footbridges spanning a pond, and completed 12 paintings, including the present one, in that summer alone. Some of these works, towards the end of Monet’s life, became purely abstract works. Today we present an excellent example of Impressionism – we see light, colour, water and also a captured moment.
Like other Impressionists, Claude Monet was fascinated by Japanese art. In 1854, Japan signed a treaty with the United States, and a flood of imports from Japan flooded the European market, exposing artists to Eastern philosophy and artistic practice. These exotics made their way to Paris, and Ukiyo-e woodcuts introduced new concepts such as flat colors, asymmetrical compositions, unconventional poses, and everyday scenes into Western art. Monet knew of Katsushika Hokusai’s prints and owned several. His Nihonbashi is undoubtedly an inspiration and tribute to Japanese art.
In our Super Impressionist course you can learn more about how Japanese art influenced Impressionism. One more great lesson on this topic! : )
Side note: Did you know you can now visit Monet’s home? If you want to see it, read a brief history of the house at Giverny first. : )
89.5 × 92.5 cm
Impressionism
Musée d’Orsay
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