The Siene at Vetheuil 1880

Claude Monet made this painting of the Siene at Vetheuil with oil paint, using the plein air technique. This method was enabled by the readymade paint tube in the 1840s, which allowed artists to paint outdoors for extended periods. The paint is applied in short, visible brushstrokes. The texture of the paint, along with the quick pace it implies, suggests the rapidly shifting light conditions that Monet sought to capture. The fleeting impression of the landscape contrasts with the slow, contemplative labor traditionally associated with painting. The industrial production of paints allowed for this new style of art, reflecting the rapid changes in society brought about by industrialization and mass production. Considering the materials and processes used, we can see how Monet's art reflects broader social and economic transformations, blurring the lines between fine art and the everyday world.