Claude Monet (1840-1926), the founder of Impressionism, is considered the most important landscape artist in the art history. The Impressionist movement changed French painting in the 19th century. Throughout his extensive and illustrious career, he depicted the scenery and leisure activities of Paris and its environs as well as the Normandy coast.

Monet painted ‘Corner of the Garden at Montgeron’ oil on canvas, (175cm x 194 cm) in 1876 as one of the four decorative panels intended to adorn the large drawing room of the chateau of Rottenburg at Montgeron. The painting was commissioned by Ernest Hoschede who was among the initial patrons of the Impressionists. This artwork is a typical example of a passing glimpse of nature as seen by the human eye; Monet selected a blossoming garden as his motif and painted an image of vibrant, changing nature. It is displayed at the State Museum of New Western Art, Moscow. ­— M.I.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, March 15th, 2015

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