Claude Monet

Claude Monet (1840–1926) was a French painter and a founding figure of Impressionism, celebrated for his innovative approach to light, color, and atmosphere. Known for painting the same subject at different times of day and in varying weather, Monet created iconic series such as Water Lilies, Haystacks, and Rouen Cathedral, capturing the fleeting effects of nature with loose, vibrant brushwork. His work broke from academic traditions, focusing on direct observation and the play of light rather than precise detail, influencing generations of artists worldwide. Born in Paris and raised in Le Havre, Monet studied in Paris and formed lasting friendships with other Impressionists, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Camille Pissarro. In 1870, he married Camille Doncieux, later marrying Alice Hoschedé in 1892. Monet spent his later years in Giverny, cultivating the gardens that inspired many of his masterpieces, painting until his death in 1926.