Willows, Giverny 1886

Claude Monet painted these willows at Giverny using oil on canvas, capturing a fleeting moment in the French countryside. Monet's Giverny wasn't just a location; it was a carefully cultivated environment, a stage for observing light and atmosphere. This artistic choice reflects a broader cultural shift of the late 19th century. As industrialization rapidly transformed France, artists turned to nature as a source of solace and inspiration. The art market, driven by an emerging middle class, celebrated these idyllic scenes. Monet, an astute businessman, understood this market, producing works that catered to bourgeois tastes while subtly challenging academic conventions. To fully understand Monet, we delve into exhibition reviews, collectors’ correspondence, and economic data. These resources help us uncover the complex interplay between art, commerce, and social change, revealing that even the most serene landscape carries a rich cultural history.