Series Spotlight - Claude Monet & London
Monet moved to London in 1870 to avoid the Franco-Prussian war where he met other artists and mentors who were also seeking refuge in London including Pissarro and Daubigny. He also met the art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel, who was key to establishing the commercial success of Impressionism. Although Monet left London in 1871, he promised to return, eventually coming back over thirty years later where he stayed at the Savoy Hotel for weeks at a time during the winters from 1899 to 1901. Fascinated by the foggy London views of the Thames, Monet painted from his balcony at the Savoy, finishing many of his works at his home in France.
Known for his obsession and iconic depictions of light and its interplay with water, the river at the heart of industrial London was a perfect subject. Interested in showing objects through the obscurative fog, his colour-rich but hazy hues add a sense of misty mystery. He painted over 100 views of the Thames, 37 of which he exhibited at Durand-Ruel’s Parisian gallery in 1904. Although Monet wanted the series to be shown in London it was quickly scattered across the globe into the hands of various collectors. From the 27th September 2024, however, 21 paintings have been reunited in the The Courtauld Gallery in London for the first time in 120 years.
Enjoy the short Claude Monet video below to learn more about this artist and click here to see the full Rosenstiels Monet collection.