The Japanese Footbridge 1899

Claude Monet made this painting of a Japanese footbridge using oil paints on canvas. Monet's focus on the materiality of paint itself is clear in this work. The visible brushstrokes and layering of colors emphasize the texture and substance of the oil paint. Look closely, and you can see how the varied applications of paint create a sense of depth and movement, particularly in the water and foliage. The rough texture of the canvas adds another layer of materiality, contrasting with the smoothness typically associated with traditional painting. Monet's technique, while rooted in academic training, broke away from traditional approaches. This approach elevated the importance of material and process in understanding the artwork. It challenged the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, where the artist's skill and technique are as important as the subject matter.