9781422271780

CLAUDE MONET

PLATE 2 (right) Woman from Normandy in Profile (c. 1856–57) Black chalk, 9 7 ⁄ 8 x 6 1 ⁄ 4 inches (25 x 16 cm) PLATE 3 (far right) Young Dandy with Monocle and Cigar (c. 1856–57) Black chalk with color crayon, 9 7 ⁄ 8 x 6 1 ⁄ 4 inches (25 x 16 cm)

about fifteen, show him to be a caricaturist beyond normal expectation, and indeed his drawings at that time also showed academic ability. This form of portrait illustration was popular in the nineteenth century, and such figures as Spy achieved a considerable reputation from similar treatment of famous figures of the day. Nevertheless, the influence of Boudin soon redirected Monet to more serious painting.

These two examples of Monet’s early artistic interest, as well as of his financial enterprise, made when he was

determinants, while Degas, although always claiming to be an independent and not liking the term “Impressionist,” was clearly associated and a contributor. It has been said that any attempted definition of Impressionism that definitely excluded him would be inadequate, although few of his paintings are even close to the evident intention and character of Monet’s work. Another artist usually included in the Impressionist net is Manet, eight years older than Monet and the recognized leader of the group of independent painters from whom the Impressionists emerged. Manet’s association is even more questionable than that of Degas. He did not exhibit in the first Impressionist show in 1874, but he was a friend of Monet’s. His painting philosophy and practices were never close to those of the Impressionists, and he is now regarded more as an influence than as a participant. Other painters are also usually included, such as Cézanne,

who certainly had a short connection through Pissarro; Bazille, who died in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 before the first “Impressionist” exhibition; Van Gogh and Gauguin, inaccurately but because of their association with the group; a number of others because of a perceived Impressionist character in their work, such as the two sculptors Auguste Rodin and Medardo Rosso; and even others because they exhibited in the first Impressionist exhibition. Thus, in attempting to identify Impressionism and its artists, it is essential to identify what it is first, and we are confronted with a chicken-and-egg situation, an unresolvable problem. It has usually been helpful to examine Monet’s contribution as an a priori situation. Claude-Oscar Monet was born on Rue Laffitte, Paris, on November 14, 1840, into the petit bourgeoisie. His father and uncles were all grocers and ship chandlers, living comfortably without ambition or wide interests,

8