Pleasure Boats, Argenteuil, c.1872-3 (oil on canvas) (c.1872 – c.1873) by Claude Monet

Pleasure Boats, Argenteuil, c.1872-3 (oil on canvas) - Claude Monet - c.1872 - c.1873

Artwork Information

TitlePleasure Boats, Argenteuil, c.1872-3 (oil on canvas)
ArtistClaude Monet
Datec.1872 - c.1873
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions65 x 49 cm
Art MovementImpressionism

About Pleasure Boats, Argenteuil, c.1872-3 (oil on canvas)

The artwork “Pleasure Boats, Argenteuil” was created by Claude Monet around 1872-1873. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 65 x 49 cm. Monet, a master of the Impressionism movement, employs a landscape genre to capture the tranquility and beauty of the boating scene. The artwork embodies the quintessential qualities of Impressionist art, with its fluid brushstrokes and keen observation of light and its effect on color.

In “Pleasure Boats, Argenteuil,” the viewer is presented with a serene river scene where several boats are moored along the calm waters. The play of light across the water’s surface creates a dappled effect, with reflections of the boats gently distorting on the water. The setting is tranquil and leisurely, with the boats at rest suggesting a pause in activity, or perhaps the end of a day’s outing.

The sky is rendered with soft hues, blending blues and whites which suggest a time of day when the light is gentle and the ambiance is peaceful. On the banks, rough brushwork captures the foliage and trees, conveying a sense of the lushness of the natural environment alongside the river. The sail of one boat stands out as it catches the light, a luminous focal point against the more subdued tones of its surroundings.

Claude Monet’s technique is evident in the loose and expressive brushstrokes that allow colors to merge at a distance yet suggest detail and texture up close. The composition is balanced, with the elements on land, water, and sky harmoniously coexisting and inviting the viewer into the serene atmosphere of the riverside scene. This painting reflects Monet’s fascination with the effects of light and atmosphere on the landscape, a theme that would persist throughout his career.

Other Artwork from Claude Monet

More Impressionism Artwork

Scroll to Top