Argenteuil, Flowers by the Riverbank 1877

Claude Monet created this oil on canvas painting, ‘Argenteuil, Flowers by the Riverbank’, in France during the late 19th century. The piece portrays a seemingly tranquil landscape, but on closer inspection, industrial chimneys punctuate the horizon, subtly alluding to the changing face of France during this period. Monet's focus on the transient effects of light and atmosphere, characteristic of the Impressionist movement, contrasts with the stark reality of industrialization. The vibrant flowers in the foreground soften the scene, perhaps commenting on the uneasy relationship between nature and industry. Monet and his contemporaries challenged the established art institutions by choosing to depict modern life and exhibit independently. By examining the social and economic context in which Monet worked, including the rise of industrial capitalism and its impact on the landscape, we can better appreciate the ways in which his art reflects and responds to the complexities of his time.