Giverny, France: Monet's Muse

It isn't often when we, the observers and enthusiasts of art, are given the incredible privilege to literally be able to step into the world of an artist's inspiration. However, this is exactly what we are able to do when it comes to the Master of Impressionism, Claude Monet. Though throughout his life Monet took up residence in various esteemed locales in Western Europe (including stints in England and the Netherlands), his favorite and most beloved place of occupancy was that of Giverny, France. It was here in this small village that Monet lived for 43 years of his life. It was also here where he created some of his most famous works, due to the natural allure of his surroundings; luxurious gardens full of flowers and pools which reflect the blue of the sky and the sway of the willows. It is easy to see why such a place caught Monet's artistic eye; why, with brush in hand, he felt so compelled to portray what he saw with his classic medium of choice, oil and canvas. Today, almost 88 years after his passing, Monet's garden and home still remain the same--a tribute to his graceful brilliance. The following are some of Claude Monet's most esteemed works, as well as images of the world which inspired them.


Water Lilies 1906 (One of Monet's 250 piece series spanning form 1897-1926)

Monet, Claude. Water Lilies. 1906. Oil on canvas. Art Institue of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Artist's Garden at Giverny 1900 (Notice the tree trunks, which are a distinct feature in each image)

Monet, Claude. Artist's Garden at Giverny. 1900. Oil on canvas. Musée D'Orsay, Paris, France.

Water Lilies and the Japanese Bridge 1897-1899

Monet, Claude. Water Lilies and the Japanese Bridge. 1897-99. Oil on canvas. Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton, New Jersey.

Sources:

• Cauderlier, Ariane, and Patricia Rynski D'Argence. "Claude Monet's Home in Giverny." Claude Monet's Home in Giverny. Givernet Non for Profit Organisation, n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.
• Cauderlier, Ariane. Claude Monet Giverny Garden Photo. N.d. Photograph. Giverny Monet's Garden. Givernet Non for Profit Organisation. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.
• Cauderlier, Ariane. Claude Monet's Home and Garden in Giverny in Spring. N.d. Photograph. Giverny Monet's Garden. Givernet Non for Profit Organisation. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.
• Cauderlier, Ariane. Water Lilies in Claude Monet's Pond in Giverny. N.d. Photograph. Giverny Monet's Garden. Givernet Non for Profit Organisation. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.
• "Claude Monet." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Jan. 2014. Web. 26 Jan. 2014.