The artwork “Houses of Parliament, Sunset 02” is a masterful creation by Claude Monet, dating from the year 1904. This piece is a fine example of the Impressionist movement, which is known for its ability to capture the fleeting effects of light and color. The genre of the artwork is defined as a cityscape and it is part of the “Houses of Parliament” series, where Monet explored various atmospheric conditions and times of day.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with an ethereal representation of the Houses of Parliament in London during sunset. Monet utilizes a palette dominated by hues of yellow and orange to convey the warmth and transient glow of the setting sun. The reflection of the architectural silhouette and the sunset colors on the Thames River add to the impression of fluidity and the ephemeral nature of the scene. Characteristic of Monet’s style, the details of the buildings are diffused, with brushstrokes that suggest rather than delineate the grandeur of the iconic structure. The soft edges and the dreamlike quality of the artwork invite contemplation and transport the viewer to the serene and transformative moment captured by Monet’s impressionistic lens.
