The Seine near Argenteuil 1874

Claude Monet painted 'The Seine near Argenteuil' with oils on canvas. The reeds in the foreground are painted loosely, but further back we can see a church and factory chimneys. Painted in France, this image captures the transformation of the country during the late 19th century. On the one hand, there is a longing for the traditions of the past, symbolized by the church, yet this is contrasted by the realities of the industrial revolution. Railways transformed French society, bringing trade, but also pollution. Monet's impressionistic style, with its emphasis on light and atmosphere, was at first rejected by the art establishment. The French Academy favored art that depicted historical or mythological scenes. Yet, through independent exhibitions, Monet and his fellow impressionists changed the course of art history. To understand more, look at the Salon system and the rise of art galleries. Think about what social changes made this style so popular.