View of Le Havre 1873

Claude Monet painted this view of Le Havre with oil on canvas. Monet has used small brushstrokes to capture the light and atmosphere of the scene, and in doing so, demonstrates the materiality of paint itself. Rather than trying to create a perfect illusion of reality, Monet focused on capturing the visual experience of a particular moment in time. The social context of the painting is also important. Le Havre was a major port city in France during the 19th century, and this painting shows the hustle and bustle of the harbor. The boats, buildings, and people are all rendered with a quick, impressionistic style, giving the viewer a sense of the energy and dynamism of the city. The artwork shows the rise of industrial capitalism, a world in motion. Ultimately, this painting invites us to consider the relationship between art and the everyday world. It encourages us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of our surroundings.