Waterloo Bridge, London 1900

Editor: So, this is Claude Monet’s "Waterloo Bridge, London," painted around 1900 with oil paint. It's strikingly hazy; almost dreamlike, the details of the bridge barely visible. What's your take on why Monet chose to depict London in this way? Curator: Considering Monet’s interest in depicting atmosphere and light, it’s key to consider London’s socio-political landscape at the turn of the century. The Industrial Revolution meant increased coal burning, leading to notoriously thick fogs. Think of it this way: Monet isn’t just painting a landscape, but documenting the visible effects of industrial progress – the trade-off, if you will. Does this reading change how you see it? Editor: Definitely. The smog wasn't just a visual phenomenon but a consequence of specific industrial practices. It makes me wonder about the public perception of these conditions at the time. Was it seen as simply the cost of progress? Curator: Precisely. Art like Monet’s, especially when exhibited, played a role in shaping that perception. His series captured the ethereal beauty *and* the inherent pollution, contributing to an ongoing dialogue about industrialization and its environmental impact. He was exhibited and collected by influential figures - the upper class whose lifestyle was dependent on the very industry creating this atmospheric effect, in an intricate interplay. Editor: It's fascinating how a painting can reflect not only a scene but also the complex socio-economic conditions of its time. Thank you for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure. Hopefully, next time you look at an Impressionist landscape, you might also consider what is just outside the frame, hidden by the fog!