The artwork titled “Houses of Parliament” is an exquisite creation of the French artist Claude Monet, completed in the year 1904. It is a quintessential piece belonging to the Impressionism movement, characterizing Monet’s fascination with the interplay of light and its ephemeral effects on structures within a cityscape. This piece is part of Monet’s renowned “Houses of Parliament” series, which delves into the atmospheric changes over the majestic London landmark.
In the artwork, the iconic silhouette of the Houses of Parliament is depicted shrouded in a misty atmosphere. The brushwork is loose and expressive, which is emblematic of the Impressionist style, showing more concern for capturing the transient effects of light and color rather than fine detail. The Thames River in the foreground mirrors the sky’s golden hues tinged with shades of blues and greens, creating a harmonious blend of reflective water and the dramatic sky above. This work exemplifies Monet’s fascination with the time of day and weather conditions, and how these factors intertwine to mold the visual sensations of a familiar urban scenery. The synthesis of color and light in the painting captures a particular moment of transformation, with the architecture becoming secondary to the atmospheric conditions that envelop it.