Claude Monet (1840 – 1926) was born in Paris France, the son of a grocer. As a young artist he rebelled against the traditional methods of painting. He wanted to paint pictures that captured the mood of his surroundings. Monet was interested in the effect that light had on objects. He found that other young artists shared his ideas and together they formed a group called ‘The Impressionists’. These include such people as Pissarro, Sisley and Renoir.

Monet painted a series of haystacks at different time of the day, and at different times of the year, showing how the light and shadows had changed.
Between 1892 – 1893, Monet painted more than 40 versions of Rouen Cathedral, each one showing the play of light on the stonework, at different times of the day.

Perhaps Monet's most famous work was painted at his home in Giverny. He became interested in gardening and he grew many rare plants. He developed a water garden, ‘To delight the eyes and also provide a source of subjects for painting’. Monet planted water lilies and built an arching Japanese footbridge. Using this landscape, he painted a series of water pictures, reflecting his interest in the effects of light on water.

Monet died in December 1926, at the grand age of 86. After years of struggling and poverty, he had become one of the most famous French artists in the history of modern Painting.