Poplars 1891

Claude Monet painted 'Poplars' with oil on canvas, sometime in the late 19th century. This painting exemplifies the Impressionist movement, prioritizing the depiction of light and atmosphere over strict realism. Painted in France, it captures a fleeting moment in the natural world. France at the time was experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization. The Impressionists turned away from academic art's focus on history and mythology, instead finding their subjects in everyday life and the landscape. 'Poplars' reflects a nostalgia for the countryside, offering a respite from the changing world. Monet's focus on the ephemeral quality of light can be understood in the context of broader intellectual shifts, where scientific observation began to influence artistic practice. Art historians use archival material, exhibition records, and critical reviews to piece together the social and institutional context of works like this. Understanding Impressionism involves considering its relationship to the art market, the rise of bourgeois audiences, and the development of museums as public institutions.