Houses of Parliament, London

Claude Monet

Created:
Movement:
2
Impressionism
key Notes:
Impressionist Atmosphere, Light and Shadow Play
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Dimensions:
81.2 × 92.8 cm (32 × 36 9/16 in.); Framed: 103.6 × 115 × 10.8 cm (40 3/4 × 45 1/4 × 4 1/4 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Houses of Parliament, London" is a series of paintings created by Claude Monet between 1900 and 1904. The works depict the Palace of Westminster, specifically the Houses of Parliament, as seen from the banks of the River Thames. Monet painted these scenes during his visits to London, where he was captivated by the atmospheric effects of light and fog on the architecture. The series is notable for its exploration of color and light, characteristic of Monet's Impressionist style. Monet utilized a loose brushwork technique to convey the transient effects of weather and time of day. The paintings reflect the artist's interest in capturing the changing qualities of light, particularly during sunrise and sunset. This series is part of a broader body of work in which Monet sought to depict the same subject under varying conditions. The works are held in various collections, including the Tate in London and the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Monet's "Houses of Parliament" series is significant for its innovative approach to landscape painting and its contribution to the development of modern art.

Description of the work:

"Houses of Parliament, London" by Claude Monet depicts the iconic silhouette of the Palace of Westminster as viewed from the River Thames. The composition is characterized by a soft, atmospheric quality, achieved through Monet's signature brushwork and use of color. The painting features a palette dominated by muted tones of gray, blue, and warm hues, reflecting the effects of light and weather on the scene. The sky is rendered with dynamic strokes, suggesting the presence of clouds and the transient nature of the atmosphere. The water of the Thames is depicted with fluid, shimmering reflections that mirror the colors of the sky and the architectural forms above. The overall effect conveys a sense of immediacy and movement, typical of Monet's Impressionist style, while capturing the essence of the urban landscape. The painting exemplifies Monet's interest in the interplay of light and color, as well as his exploration of the changing conditions of the environment.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Houses of Parliament, London