What Is Special About Claude Monet’s London Paintings?

By Robert Palmer

Claude Monet, the renowned French Impressionist painter, painted a series of paintings during his stay in London from 1899 to 1901. These paintings are known for their unique style and composition, which are different from Monet’s earlier works. In this article, we will explore what is special about Claude Monet’s London paintings.

Impressionism and Monet

Before we delve into Monet’s London paintings, let’s first understand the Impressionist movement and its influence on Monet’s art. Impressionism was a 19th-century art movement that originated in France and emphasized capturing the fleeting moments of modern life through the use of light and color.

Monet was one of the pioneers of Impressionism and is known for his landscapes, seascapes, and garden scenes that capture the essence of nature through his unique use of color and brushstrokes.

Monet’s London Paintings

Monet visited London in 1899 to escape from his financial troubles and painted around 100 works during his stay. His London paintings are characterized by a different style compared to his earlier works.

One significant difference is that he focused on urban landscapes rather than natural scenery. The River Thames became a central theme in many of his works, capturing its bustling activity with boats, bridges, and buildings along its banks.

The Use of Fog

Another unique aspect of Monet’s London paintings is his use of fog to create an atmospheric effect. He captured the foggy weather conditions prevalent in London during winters by using muted colors with soft brushstrokes. This technique gave a hazy effect to the painting that added depth to it.

The Influence of Turner

Monet was also influenced by J.M.W Turner, an English Romantic painter who captured atmospheric effects like fog in his paintings. Monet’s London paintings can be seen as a tribute to Turner’s work, with many of his compositions resembling Turner’s paintings of the Thames.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Claude Monet’s London paintings are unique because they showcase a different style compared to his earlier works. His focus on urban landscapes and the use of fog to create an atmospheric effect gave a new dimension to Impressionism. Monet’s London paintings are a testament to his versatility as an artist and his ability to capture the essence of modern life through his art.