A Woman Reading 1872

Claude Monet painted *A Woman Reading* using oil on canvas. The quick, loose brushstrokes give the impression of spontaneity, but this effect belies the highly skilled, deliberate layering of paint required. Impressionist painting was very much a product of its time, in that new technologies like pre-mixed paints in tubes allowed artists to work outdoors, capturing fleeting moments of light and atmosphere. In *A Woman Reading*, notice how Monet uses small dabs of color to create the effect of sunlight filtering through the trees. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it reflected a changing world, where leisure and access to nature were becoming increasingly important for the middle classes. Monet's work elevated the act of painting itself, drawing attention to its material qualities and processes, rather than just the subject matter. This focus on materials and techniques helped to break down traditional hierarchies between fine art and craft, paving the way for new forms of artistic expression.