Poirier En Fleurs 1885

Claude Monet made this oil painting, "Poirier En Fleurs", which translates to "Pear Tree in Bloom", sometime during his long career. It captures the beauty of a flowering tree against a bright sky, likely within his own property. Monet was a key figure in the Impressionist movement in France, a group of artists who challenged the established art institutions of their time. They rejected the academic style of painting, favouring instead the spontaneous and subjective expression of light and colour. Monet and his peers often depicted scenes from everyday life, moving away from historical or mythological subjects. This focus on the present and the personal was a reflection of broader social changes occurring in France during the late 19th century. To understand Monet's work fully, we need to consider the social and institutional context in which it was created. The rise of the art market, the development of new painting techniques, and the changing role of the artist in society all played a part in shaping his artistic vision. By exploring these factors, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the historical significance of Impressionism.