WOMEN IN THE GARDEN BY MONET: DESCRIPTION AND ANALYIS OF A MASTERPIECE
Why is Women in the Garden by Monet a masterpiece?
It’s one of the first examples of plein air painting, a new technique in the art scene of the second half of the 19th century, which is at the base of Impressionist revolution.
The painting was rejected at the 1867 Salon because it was considered offensive and not well-finished; actually, this is one of the works that starts the overwhelming Impressionist revolution.
In this post you’ll find the description of the painting and the history of this masterpiece.
Women in the Garden by Monet
Women in the Garden by Monet
WOMEN IN THE GARDEN BY MONET AND THE PLEIN AIR PAINTING
Women in the Garden by Monet is a large painting (255 cm x 205 cm) executed in 1867.
The work was painted en plein air, in Ville d’Avray and finished in Honfleur. It’s the technique used by Monet that makes the painting famous, because the artist experiments on a large canvas the plein air painting technique.
En plein air painting consists in painting the work directly outdoors and, in this case, Monet decided to dig a pit where he put the canvas, which, obviously, couldn’t be placed on an ordinary easel.
Women in the Garden by Monet is a painting almost 3 meters high and the figures portrayed are almost life-size.
Monet painted almost completely in the open air, as you can read in a letter of painter Alexandre-Louis Dubourg, while details and refinements were added by the artist in the following days.
DESCRIPTION OF WOMEN IN THE GARDEN BY MONET
Women in the Garden by Monet is one of the first examples of plein air painting, and with this work the artist began studying the reflections of sunlight filtering through the branches of trees.
The scene portrayed brings us directly inside a garden, where some women are picking flowers.
The light is that of a summer day and Monet’s painting is able to evoke all feelings of that particular moment.
WHERE TO SEE WOMEN IN THE GARDEN BY MONET
Women in the Garden by Monet was rejected by the Salon, to artist’s deep disappointment.
However, the canvas was purchased by Bazille who admired Monet’s work and the works of Impressionist painters but he also wanted to help the artist who was facing financial difficulties.
In 1921 the painting would be acquired by the French government at a cost of 200,000 Francs, and today is housed and on display in the Musée d’Orsay.
TO FIND OUT MORE I RECOMMEND YOU
- To read the description of the work Women in the garden on the site of the Musée d’Orsay.
- To watch the description of the work Women in the garden dedicated to the artist and his works.
- To go in Paris for admire Women in the garden by Monet. Book your ticket at the Musee d’Orsay.