Gladiolus 1881

Claude Monet's "Gladiolus" from 1881 is a quintessential example of Impressionism, capturing the fleeting beauty of a single bloom in a simple, yet elegant composition. The painting features a bouquet of white gladioli in a brown vase, set against a muted brown background. Monet's characteristic loose brushstrokes and vibrant color palette lend a sense of immediacy and movement to the work. The gladioli themselves appear almost translucent, their delicate petals illuminated by the light, while the vase and background provide a grounding element. This piece highlights Monet's fascination with the ephemeral nature of light and color, showcasing his mastery of capturing the essence of a subject in a single, fleeting moment.