Rouen Cathedral, West Facade, Noon 1894

Claude Monet painted Rouen Cathedral, West Facade, Noon with oil paint on canvas, using short brushstrokes to capture the cathedral's surface. The texture is built up through layers of paint, giving a sense of depth and light. The architectural forms seem to dissolve, emphasizing the momentary effects of sunlight. Monet's technique, although seemingly spontaneous, requires careful observation and skilled execution to convey the subtleties of light and atmosphere. The painting process itself reflects a shift towards industrialization, with the mass production of paint in tubes allowing artists to work outdoors more easily, capturing the fleeting effects of nature. Monet's series of Rouen Cathedral paintings reflects both the play of light and the labor invested in creating such monumental architecture. Paying attention to the materials and processes used by artists like Monet allows us to better understand the cultural and social contexts in which artworks are created, challenging traditional distinctions between art, labor, and industry.