Houses at Argenteuil 1873

Claude Monet painted this scene of "Houses at Argenteuil" using oil paints, a medium prized for its versatility and luminosity. Looking closely, we can see how Monet applied the paint in short, broken strokes, a technique known as "impasto." This wasn't about creating a smooth, illusionistic surface, but rather capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. Oil paints allowed him to build up layers, creating a textured surface that almost vibrates with color. The very act of painting en plein air, or outdoors, was a modern approach, reflecting a shift away from the controlled environment of the studio. With the readymade oil paint available in tubes, artists like Monet gained portability and freedom, engaging directly with the world around them. Monet’s focus on the everyday—houses, fields, and the changing sky—elevated these subjects to high art. It demonstrates how the material qualities of paint and the process of applying it can imbue a scene with profound meaning, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes a worthy subject for art.