“The Seine Below Rouen” is an artwork completed by Claude Monet in 1872. This oil on canvas painting is an exquisite representation of the Impressionist movement, characterized by its open composition, visible brush strokes, and emphasis on light in its changing qualities. The genre of the artwork is a cityscape, and it currently resides in a private collection. Monet’s depiction portrays a palpable sense of atmosphere and captures the vibrancy of the moment as seen on the Seine River.
In the artwork, one can appreciate the tranquil waters of the Seine, reflecting the hues of a seemingly overcast sky above Rouen. The composition is balanced with an array of sailing vessels anchored along the riverbanks, and the distant silhouette of the city barely visible against the skyline. The brushwork is loose and fluid, lending to the ephemeral quality of the scene, which is a trademark of Monet’s style and the Impressionist genre as a whole. The rippling water mirrors the colors and shapes of the boats and buildings, demonstrating Monet’s mastery in rendering reflections and the interplay of light. Overall, the artwork captures a fleeting moment with an emphasis on the sensory impression of the scene, rather than a detailed, realistic representation.
