The Seine at Argenteuil 1874

Claude Monet captured The Seine at Argenteuil using oil paint on canvas. The visible brushstrokes are a crucial part of this work. Oil paint consists of pigment suspended in oil, linseed being the most common. The loose application of the paint, applied to the canvas with brushes, creates a sense of immediacy. The texture isn't just visual; the tactile quality of the paint is evident. The way Monet worked with his materials has imbued the painting with a sense of light and movement, turning a scene of leisure into an active field of perception. This reflects a shift in artistic values, prioritizing the artist's subjective experience over traditional representation. Monet wasn't just depicting a scene; he was also celebrating the act of painting itself. By emphasizing the materials and processes, Monet challenged the traditional hierarchy that places "high art" above the craft of painting.