Bloemen 1860 - 1912

Claude Monet made this painting, Bloemen, with oil paint on canvas. This choice of materials, while traditional for fine art, allowed Monet to explore texture in a unique way. The visible brushstrokes create a tactile surface, almost as if you could reach out and feel the petals. Monet built up layers of paint, a labor-intensive process, to capture the light and shadow playing across the flowers. These strokes are not blended smoothly, giving the painting an unfinished, almost raw quality. This was a deliberate choice, highlighting the act of painting itself. Monet's technique challenged the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft. The emphasis on process and materiality elevated the act of painting to a level of skill and artistry comparable to other skilled trades. By focusing on the tangible qualities of paint, Monet invites us to appreciate the labor and skill involved in creating this work.