Strada Romada in Bordighera 1884

Claude Monet created this oil on canvas painting, Strada Romada in Bordighera, using mass-produced paints and brushes. The texture of the painting results from the artist's direct application of these materials. Notice how Monet applied quick brushstrokes, capturing the light and color of the Italian Riviera. The visible brushwork reflects the industrialization of art supplies during the 19th century. With the advent of pre-packaged paints, and the mass manufacture of brushes, artists like Monet could focus on the sensory experience of painting en plein air. The painting embodies the shift towards a more immediate and personal expression. Monet’s technique, which some have described as ‘instantaneity’, was rooted in the accessibility of these new materials and techniques. This approach challenged traditional ideas of academic painting, emphasizing the artist's perception and the changing qualities of light. Ultimately, Strada Romada in Bordighera exemplifies how industrial production influenced the artistic process.