The artwork “Rouen Cathedral; Morning – White harmony” is an oil painting by Claude Monet, completed in 1894. It forms part of Monet’s “Rouen Cathedral” series and is representative of the Impressionist movement. The artwork measures 107 by 74 centimeters and depicts an architectural cityscape genre.
The artwork captures the ethereal play of light on the facade of Rouen Cathedral, which Monet portrayed at different times of day in a series of paintings to study the effects of light on its Gothic structure. The cathedral itself is the central focus, with each brushstroke meticulously contributing to the overall impression of the cathedral bathed in the soft morning light. The delicate hues of blue and white suggest the coolness of early day, with the sunlight starting to warm the stone. The brushwork is loose and appears almost abstract up close, but when viewed from a distance, the intricate details of the cathedral’s architecture emerge.
A key feature of this painting, and the Impressionist movement as a whole, is the focus on the transient effects of light and color over precise detail. Monet’s technique of applying color in small dabs creates a sense of vibrancy, capturing the fleeting quality of the moment. The resulting work is one that engages the viewer’s senses and invites contemplation of the interplay between light, color, and texture.