The Works of the Impressionists Reflect Modern Life

Monet was born in Paris, the son of a grocer. In his infancy, financial problems forced the family to leave the capital for Le Havre, where Monet’s father set up a new business. The experience of living close to the sea, where the play of light on the ocean and in the sky changed so quickly and markedly, was to influenced the painter all his life. Monet began painting in his teens and came …

…painting, White Water Lilies was an activity not unlike the act of gardening itself.He was engaged in an activity that is part design and part chance, gives deeply sensual pleasure but is, on any utilitarian scale which is totally useless. The uselessness of art is another theme which became a powerful cultural determinant in the twentieth century. The amazing techniques that Monet had shown in his painting is a measure of Monet’s success.