Claude Monet’s “Rouen Cathedral, Portal in the Sun” from 1894 is an exemplary illustration of the Impressionism art movement. Measuring 99.7 by 65.7 cm, this cityscape portrays the façade of the Rouen Cathedral. It is part of the “Rouen Cathedral” series and can be viewed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
The artwork captures the Gothic architecture of the cathedral with a focus on the entrance, bathed in the warm glow of sunlight. Renowned for his study of light and its effects on a subject, Monet has used quick brushstrokes and a vivid array of colors that shimmer across the canvas. He conveys the ephemeral nature of light and atmosphere, an essential characteristic of the Impressionist style. The painting portrays the intricate details of the cathedral’s façade, including the sculptures, doors, and the rose window, with a technique that suggests the transient effects of natural light rather than defining precise architectural elements.
Monet’s use of color and light creates an experience that is more about the viewer’s perception and the mood evoked by the cathedral under varying conditions of sunlight. This approach was quite revolutionary at the time and challenged traditional methods of painting. The “Rouen Cathedral” series in its entirety is often regarded as a milestone in the Impressionist movement, demonstrating Monet’s dedication to capturing the nuances of light and the transformation of a single subject through different times of day and weather conditions.