San Francisco’s Legion of Honor will be the first U.S. institution to host a comprehensive exhibition delving into the formative years of Impressionist Claude Monet (1840-1926). Details here!
An exhibition slated to open on Saturday, February 25 in San Francisco is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Known for his major contribution to the rise of plein air painting and Impressionism in the late 19th century, Claude Monet also produced a robust body of work that formed the initial phase of his career.
“Monet: The Early Years” features some 60 paintings produced during a radical period of experimentation for Monet between 1858 and 1872. “In this period,” the museum reports, “the young painter developed his unique visual language and technique, creating striking works that manifested his interest in painting textures and the interplay of light upon surfaces.”
Particularly interesting about these selected works is the tightness with which they were painted — an intriguing contrast to Monet’s more recognizable and canonical Impressionistic works. Further, these works show Monet’s willingness to explore genres that are less common in his later works, including still life, portrait, and genre scenes.
“Monet: The Early Years” will be on view through May 29. To learn more, visit the Legion of Honor.
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Actually, if I’m not mistaken, the Monet: The Early Years exhibit was just at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, closing on Jan.29 before moving on to San Francisco.
That’s correct. I had the pleasure of seeing the exhibition in December at the Kimbell Art Museum. It’s a wonderful “must see” opportunity.
The collaboration between the Kimbell and Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco has been outstanding and it continues as these museums plan for Part 2 which will explore Monet’s later years. I can hardly wait!