Irises and Water-Lilies (1914 – 1917) by Claude Monet

Irises and Water-Lilies - Claude Monet - 1914 - 1917

Artwork Information

TitleIrises and Water-Lilies
ArtistClaude Monet
Date1914 - 1917
Art MovementImpressionism

About Irises and Water-Lilies

The artwork titled “Irises and Water-Lilies” was created by the esteemed Impressionist painter Claude Monet between the years 1914 and 1917. This particular piece falls under the genre of flower painting, which is a recurring subject in Monet’s oeuvre. A characteristic work of the Impressionist movement, it embodies the movement’s ethos through its vibrant play of light, color, and the representation of natural forms.

The artwork presents a lush and immersive view of a floral landscape that is distinctly characteristic of Monet’s mature style. A sense of depth is created through the vertical positioning of the irises in the foreground against the horizontal spread of the pond in the background, where water-lilies float gently on the surface. The color palette is predominantly cool with varying shades of green and blue, punctuated by vivid hues of the blooming irises which are painted in tones of purple and blue. The flowers are rendered with swift, gestural brushstrokes, capturing the light and movement of the scene without focusing on meticulous detail.

The visual harmony of the piece is achieved through the intricate interplay of reflection and light, a signature aspect of Monet’s work. The water’s surface acts as a mirror, reflecting the sky and the foliage surrounding the pond, thereby uniting the elements and enveloping the viewer in a tranquil, yet dynamic, natural environment. The painting encapsulates the fleeting qualities of light and the essence of the moment, emblematic of the Impressionist philosophy.

Overall, the artwork emanates a sense of peace and is reflective of Monet’s intense observation of his garden in Giverny, where he found ceaseless inspiration and subject matter for his final series of paintings.

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