Jean-Pierre Hoschede, called 'Bebe Jean' 1878

Claude Monet painted "Jean-Pierre Hoschede, called 'Bebe Jean'" in 1878 with oil on canvas. This is a portrait of the son of Alice Hoschede, who later became Monet's second wife. Monet was a founder of French Impressionism, a movement that gained momentum in the latter half of the 19th century, partly as a result of social and institutional changes, like the rise of the bourgeoisie and new venues for art, such as independent galleries. Note the loose brushwork and focus on capturing the fleeting moment, hallmarks of the Impressionist style, diverging from the traditional academic painting of the time. The emphasis is on the subjective experience of the artist, rather than objective representation. To truly appreciate this painting, we might turn to letters between Monet and his contemporaries, or to exhibition reviews that reflect the contemporary reception of Impressionism and the changing role of art in society. Understanding the institutional shifts that supported this movement allows us to see the painting not just as a portrait, but as a cultural artifact.