Charing Cross Bridge 3 1901

Claude Monet painted this view of London's Charing Cross Bridge with oil on canvas, using strokes that capture the city's atmosphere. The bridge is not just steel and stone; it's made of light, steam, and fog. Monet's focus on these ephemeral qualities elevates the painting beyond a mere depiction of a structure. The blurred edges and blended colors almost dissolve the bridge into its surroundings, making it feel less like a solid object and more like a fleeting impression. The painting's beauty lies in the process of its making. Each brushstroke is a physical act, a record of Monet's engagement with his subject. This direct, hands-on approach to painting emphasizes the importance of the artist's labor in transforming ordinary materials into a work of art. By embracing the tangible qualities of paint, Monet challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.