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La Grenouillère by Claude Monet
La Grenouillère was a popular middle-class attraction, and as depicted in the piece, it consisted of a boating establishment and a floating cafe. Claude Monet focused on repetitive elements, for example, the ripple in the water, the boats, and the human figures. Although La Grenouillère might seem to be his subject matter, the true nature of Monet's painting is the reflection of light on the water. The figures become simple background matter for the light and color that is central to this piece. -
The Cradle by Berthe Morisot
Considered to be one of Berthe Morisot's (1841-1895) most famous artworks, The Cradle is a beautiful painting of a mother and her daughter. The painting depicts Morisot's sister, Edma, watching over her sleeping daughter, Blanche. The image is a comforting depiction of motherhood and provides a close sentiment with the viewer, while still maintaining a wall of intimacy between the mother and her baby. -
Impression Sunrise by Claude Monet
Created from a scene in the port of Le Havre, France, the painting Impression, Sunrise gave rise to the name and recognition of the Impressionism movement. The piece significantly influenced the direction of Impressionist art as a whole. The creator of Impression, Sunrise, Claude Monet, was a leader in the Impressionist movement. A majority of his paintings conjured the Impressionist practice of painting outdoors to capture natural light and the effects of nature on the eye. -
In a Park by Berthe Morisot
In the chaos of most Impressionist paintings, Berthe Morisot stuck to her calm depictions of female society. In a Park is a quiet image of family life, showing a mother and her children playing in a field. Berthe Morisot often centered on the bond between mother and child. Her portrayal of the domestic and private spaces of women is what made her stand out amongst her peers. -
The Dance Class by Edgar Degas
Depicting a scene at the old Paris Opera House, The Dance Class by Edgar Degas shows a class coming to an end. The dancers are exhausted, they're stretching, twisting to scratch their backs , or they're adjusting their clothes, hair, and ribbons. Edgar Degas is known to have visited the Paris Opera House; he was mainly interested in the trainings in rehearsals rather than the actual performances. The various gestures and postures of the dancers show how closely Degas studied this scene. -
Fog, Voisins by Alfred Sisley
A beautiful pastoral scene; Fog, Voisins has a gentle color palette that creates a sense of tranquility and peace in the viewer. The focus of this painting is the fog, a silvery mist that covers the entire scenery, blurring the shapes and the background into a bluish-grey tone. This canvas is an illustration of the Impressionist approach, which sifts nature through the filter of the human eye. Alfred Sisley, the artist of Fog Voisins, was particularly dedicated to the Impressionist Movement. -
Woman with a Parasol by Claude Monet
Intended to convert the feeling of a casual family outing, Woman with a Parasol shows a woman and a young boy in a field. The woman depicted in the painting is actually Claude Monet's, the artist, wife. The young boy behind her is considered to be their son, Jean. Monet worked quickly to complete the scene, completing it in only one single outdoor session. The painting is a beautiful celebration of color and light. -
At the Opera by Mary Cassatt
In At the Opera, Mary Cassatt depicts the recently built Palais Garnier of the Paris Opera. The Palais Garnier served as a social hub for the upper class in the city. The painting demonstrates that the opera was a place for seeing and being seen. The woman depicted in the painting is seen holding binoculars; her stance is imitated by a man in the background who points his binoculars to her. The woman is seeing while simultaneously being seen by the man. -
Young Woman Knitting by Berthe Morisot
Glossing over facial features, Young Woman Knitting by Berthe Morisot dispenses other details to present a picture of modern-day life. The woman is seen knitting in a chair, wearing what was the latest style at the time. Seated in a garden, the woman appears to be completely unaware of the person drawing her. The piece provides an insight into an everyday occasion. -
Poplars on the Epte by Claude Monet
This piece depicts poplar trees on the banks of the River Epte, seen against a beautiful blue sky. Claude Monet used a boat as a floating studio, capturing beautifully the shimmering effects of sunlight on water. The story behind the poplar trees is that they were originally meant to be sold for timber; Monet, using his connections, was able to buy the trees at an auction so that he could continue to paint them. -
Two Young Girls at the Piano by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
An intimate scene showing two young girls learning to play the piano at their home. The scene is basked in a warm glow, giving the piece a beautiful and soft feeling. Pierre Auguste Renoir creates a picture of leisure and relaxation; the harsh, the rigid, and the angular are either not present or they are heavily suppressed. The painting is perfectly put together, tying together many different aspects to create a light atmosphere. -
Sewing the Sail by Joaquín Sorolla
A vibrant piece, Sewing the Sail depicts 5 women and 2 men as they work together to mend the sail of a boat. They are working outside, covered in flowers and plants; the sun shines brightly, covering them in the summer goodness. While the piece consists of broad brushstrokes, the facial expressions of the figures are still prominent. The effects of the sunlight are beautifully represented in this painting. Joaquín Sorolla, the artist, masterfully draws the light of the sun in this piece. -
Boulevard Montmartre at Night by Camille Pissarro
A road in Paris; passing cars, the lights of the night, the vibrant atmosphere. All of these can be found in the Boulevard Montmartre at Night by Camille Pissarro. The painting is an impression of the street and all its comprising elements. Pissarro uses many techniques to invoke the atmosphere found in the painting. Short, quick brushstrokes help create a sense of movement and energy; Pissarro's use of light and shadow helps create depth, making the street appear much more lively. -
The Garden of the Tuileries on a Spring Morning by Camille Pissarro
The image provides a bustling town center; people are seen passing by and interacting with the gorgeous scenery around them. Underneath the blooming trees and the beautiful blue sky are the signs that a wonderful spring is among them. Camille Pissarro painted this piece as part of a series. All were painted from his apartment. -
The Artist's Garden at Giverny by Claude Monet
A beautiful scenery, The Artist's Garden at Giverny is already explained in the name. The painting shows a lovely garden, made by the one and only Claude Monet. Monet was known to be an avid gardener, and he carefully calculated and planned his garden. The garden was greatly inspired by Monet's beloved aunt; a famous pond and flowerbed were planted in the garden in memory of his aunt. Monet's garden at Giverny was a constant source of inspiration for him, especially in his later life.