Claude Monet is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Impressionism.
He learned to paint en plein air as a teenager in Le Havre from the artist Eugène Boudin. In 1859, he became a pupil in the Paris studio of Charles Gleyre, where he met other artists. The first Impressionist exhibition in 1874, caused a public outcry, with the art critic Louis Leroy deriding the group in print as “impressionists.” He found solace and inspiration in his gardens at Giverny, where he created the iconic water lily pond that would become the subject of some of his most celebrated works. As the leader of the Impressionist movement, Claude Monet’s contributions to the art world are immeasurable. Monet’s ability to capture the ephemeral beauty of nature and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression have secured his place as one of the most iconic and influential figures in art history.