Boats on the Thames, Fog Effect 1901

Claude Monet made "Boats on the Thames, Fog Effect" using pastel on paper. The entire composition seems to dissolve into a hazy atmosphere, dominated by muted blues, greys and browns. Notice the broad, soft strokes that define the water and sky, creating a sense of indistinct forms and obscured shapes. Monet was deeply interested in the ephemeral effects of light and atmosphere. His focus here is less on depicting solid objects and more on capturing the sensory experience of fog. Look at how the indistinct shapes of boats and buildings barely emerge from the mist, challenging our perception of space. This approach reflects a broader artistic interest in Impressionism to destabilize traditional artistic values through subjective perception and transient moments. The lack of clear lines and defined forms invites viewers to engage in their own interpretation of the scene. This pastel functions as a semiotic marker, signaling a shift away from realism towards a more sensory and interpretive mode of seeing.