Camille 1866

This is Claude Monet's oil on canvas painting titled, "Camille." While undated, it is believed to have been painted around 1866. Monet met Camille Doncieux in 1865, and she became his model and later his wife. During this time, as a woman she had limited social and economic independence and this impacted her status and visibility within the art world. In this painting, Camille is dressed in a luxurious green and black striped dress with a dark, fur-trimmed jacket. Her posture is slightly turned away, with her hands gently clasped. This creates a sense of distance between the viewer and the subject. Monet captures the essence of Camille's quiet presence. Paintings like this reflect the traditional representations of women in art, but also develop alternative narratives. They offer us a personal glimpse into the artist’s life, and the quiet strength of a woman who would become an integral part of his journey.