Valle Buona, Near Bordighera 1884

Claude Monet painted Valle Buona, Near Bordighera in oil on canvas during his visit to the Italian Riviera in 1884. Monet’s late landscapes can be understood in the context of the cultural and economic transformations of late 19th-century Europe, particularly in France. During this period, modern transportation, increasing wealth, and changing social norms created opportunities for artists to travel in search of new subject matter. The French Riviera, with its picturesque landscapes and charming villages, was a popular destination for artists and tourists alike. Monet’s loose brushwork and focus on light and color in this painting, reflect the values of Impressionism. By studying period guidebooks, travelogues, and exhibition reviews, we can discover the social and cultural meanings that Monet’s landscapes held for his contemporaries, recognizing that these meanings are always contingent on specific historical contexts.