The artwork “Snow Effect, The Street in Argentuil” was painted by Claude Monet in the year 1875. This painting is a cityscape that exemplifies the Impressionist movement, of which Monet was a pioneering member. The genre of the artwork captures a momentary impression of a city’s atmosphere rather than a detailed literal representation.
In the artwork, viewers are presented with a depiction of a snowy day in the French town of Argentuil. The transient effects of light and color—hallmarks of the Impressionist style—are evident here, as Monet effectively conveys the chill and dampness of the snow-covered landscape. A sense of depth is achieved through the use of soft blues and whites to represent the snow, contrasting with the warmer tones of the buildings and the autumnal hues of trees that punctuate the scene. The brushwork is loose and expressive, adding to the feeling of spontaneity and movement, with the snowflakes appearing to fall gently onto the surfaces. Figures are seen walking down the street, rendered in swift, gestural strokes that suggest their movement and the hustle of daily life even in the cold of winter. Monet’s signature on the bottom right corner is written in a manner that integrates smoothly with the scene, further unifying the composition. The overall effect is one of a fleeting moment captured, a characteristic objective of Monet’s impressionistic approach.
