The artwork “Stack of Wheat” by Claude Monet was created between 1890 and 1891 in Giverny, France. This oil on canvas piece is a part of the Impressionism movement and belongs to the series entitled “Haystacks.” It measures 66 x 93 cm and is categorized within the landscape genre. The piece is currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, US.
The artwork captures the essence of a single haystack in the foreground amidst a wintry landscape. Monet utilizes a palette that conveys the chilly atmosphere and the subtle effects of light and shadow characteristic of the winter season. The haystack is rendered with a mix of warm earth tones and speckles of white, indicating the presence of snow. This central figure dominates the composition and is contrasted against the cooler hues of the background, where one can discern the presence of barren trees and a faint, hazy outline of distant hills or mountains. The brushwork is loose and flowing, typical of Impressionist style, allowing the colors to blend slightly at the edges, which gives the work a sense of movement and vitality. Monet’s focus on the changing light and seasons is evident, showcasing his mastery in capturing transient moments of natural beauty.