Grainstack in the Sunlight 1891

Claude Monet created this oil on canvas, Grainstack in the Sunlight, in France. Monet painted the same scene multiple times at different times of the day to capture the changing effects of light and atmosphere. He was particularly interested in how light could transform the appearance of a subject and how our perception of the world is always shifting. The late 19th century in France saw the rise of modern capitalism and the emergence of a new middle class. Impressionist painters sought to capture the fleeting moments of modern life, often focusing on leisure activities, landscapes, and cityscapes. But what about rural life? The artistic institutions and academies of the time valued historical and mythological subjects over more modern subjects and landscapes. The Impressionists challenged these traditional hierarchies. To truly appreciate Monet's work, research into the social and economic conditions of 19th-century France is essential, as is an understanding of the role of the art market and the rise of Impressionism. Only then can we fully understand its place in history.