The artwork “Houses of Parliament, Fog Effect” was created by Claude Monet in 1903. It is a quintessential piece within the Impressionist movement, and falls under the genre of cityscape. This work is part of Monet’s “Houses of Parliament” series, where the focus is on the iconic British institution, portrayed under various atmospheric conditions.
The artwork exudes a sense of tranquility and mystique, as Monet masterfully captures the essence of London’s fog enveloping the Houses of Parliament. The ethereal quality of the fog blurs the edges of the structures, challenging the viewer’s perception of light and form. The foreground appears to be the River Thames, with subtle ripples and reflections contributing to the ephemeral quality of the scene.
Monet’s signature loose brushstrokes and use of color gradients convey the dampness and density of the fog. The palette is dominated by cool tones, with blends of blues and greens that suggest a moist, early morning atmosphere. The silhouette of the Gothic Revival architecture of the Houses of Parliament emerges through the haze, its outlines softened and its details obscured by the atmospheric conditions.
This piece exemplifies the Impressionist fascination with light and atmosphere, as Monet places emphasis on the fleeting moments of natural light and its interplay with the environment. Instead of focusing on detailed architectural representation, Monet’s work emphasizes the impression of the Parliament buildings as seen through the veil of fog, rendering a poetic and atmospheric interpretation that speaks to the transient nature of visual experience.
