Claude Monet, born in 1840, was a leading figure in the Impressionist movement. He traveled extensively, painting landscapes and seascapes, leaving a significant artistic legacy.
Claude Monet, a French impressionist painter known for his emphasis on light brushstrokes and bright colors, was born on November 14, 1840.
1841-05-20
Baptism of Claude Monet
On May 20, 1841, Claude Monet was baptized into the local church parish, Notre-Dame-de-Lorette as Oscar-Claude. This event marked an early religious ceremony in his life.
1845
Monet Family Moves to Le Havre
In 1845, Claude Monet relocated with his family to Le Havre.
1851-04-01
Monet enters Le Havre secondary school of the arts
In 1851, Monet started his education at the Le Havre secondary school of the arts. He gained local recognition for his charcoal caricatures, which he sold for ten to twenty francs.
1856
Monet starts en plein air painting
In approximately 1856, Monet, who showed great artistic talent, began making sketches of local celebrities and selling them. He was introduced to outdoor painting by Eugene Bodin on the Normandy coast.
1857-01-28
Monet's mother passes away
On January 28, 1857, Monet's mother died when he was 16 years old. Following her death, he moved in with his widowed aunt, Marie-Jeanne Lecadre.
1858-12-04
Monet meets Eugene Boudin
In December 4, 1858, Monet meets Eugene Boudin, a unique artist who inspires Monet to shift from painting Greek sculptures and human models to painting the environment around him.
1859-01-01
Monet Moves to Paris
On January 1, 1859, Monet moved to Paris independently, defying his father's wishes for him to join the family grocery business.
1860-01
Meeting of Monet and Eugène Boudin
On January 1, 1860, the renowned artist Claude Monet met the landscape artist Eugène Boudin. This encounter played a significant role in Monet's artistic development and style.
1861-06
Monet joins First Regiment of African Light Cavalry in Algeria
In June 1861, Monet joined the First Regiment of African Light Cavalry in Algeria for two years, but his aunt intervened to get him out of the army if he agreed to complete an art course at a university.
1862
Claude Monet invalided home from North Africa
In 1862, Claude Monet was invalided home from North Africa and resumed his studies in Paris to pursue a career as a painter.
1863
Hunting Trophies
Monet starts painting in Chailly near Barbizon. The Salon des Refusés is held at the Palais de l’Industrie.
1864
Claude Monet and Frédéric Bazille share a studio in Paris
In 1864, Claude Monet and Frédéric Bazille shared a studio in Paris, possibly influencing each other's artistic endeavors.
1865-01-01
Monet meets his future wife Camille
On January 1, 1865, Claude Monet met his future wife, Camille. This meeting would play a significant role in Monet's personal life and artistic journey.
1866
Claude Monet's 'Woman in a Green Dress' accepted by Paris Salon
In 1866, Claude Monet's painting 'Woman in a Green Dress' was accepted by the prestigious Paris Salon, marking a significant recognition of his talent.
1867-08
Birth of Claude Monet's Son
In August 1867, Claude Monet and his model/lover Camille-Léonie Doncieux welcomed a son.
1868-01-01
Monet Attempts Suicide
Claude Monet, facing financial difficulties, attempted to drown himself in the Seine river. Fortunately, he survived the suicide attempt and this event marked a turning point in his life.
1869
Rejected by the Salon; works with Renoir and Pissarro
In 1869, Claude Monet faced rejection by the Salon. He spent time in Saint-Michel near Bougival, collaborating with fellow artists such as Renoir. Monet also painted in Louveciennes alongside Pissarro during this period.
1870-01-01
Monet's Financial Hardships
Monet faced financial difficulties and preferred to destroy his artworks rather than have them taken by creditors. This led to the loss of many of his early paintings.
1870-06-28
Marriage of Claude Monet and Camille-Léonie Doncieux
On June 28, 1870, Claude Monet and Camille-Léonie Doncieux tied the knot.
1871-12
Monet moves to Argenteuil
In December 1871, Claude Monet moved to Argenteuil, a village on the Seine near Paris, where he created some of his most famous works.
1872-01-01
Monet paints Landscapes
In 1872, Claude Monet painted landscapes.
1873
Monet paints Impression Sunrise in Le Havre
In 1873, Monet painted 'Impression Sunrise' in the port of Le Havre.
1874-01-01
Monet submitted Impression, Sunrise for exhibition
On January 1, 1874, Monet submitted his painting Impression, Sunrise for an exhibition. This particular artwork not only made Monet very famous but also led to the creation of the term 'Impression'. It is considered one of his finest masterpieces.
1876
Participation in Second Impressionist Exhibition
In 1876, Claude Monet participates in the second Impressionist Exhibition, showcasing his Argenteuil landscapes and 'La Japonaise'. Additionally, he works on decorations for Ernest and Alice Hoschedé at Château de Rottembourg in Montgeron.
1877
Claude Monet's Exhibition at First Impressionist Exhibition
Claude Monet showcases 12 of his works at the First Impressionist Exhibition in Paris, marking a significant moment in the Impressionist movement.
1878-03-17
Birth of Monet's second son, Michel
On March 17, 1878, Claude Monet and Camille Doncieux had their second son, Michel, which unfortunately contributed to Camille's declining health.
1879-04-10
Fourth Impressionist Painting Exhibition
Monet exhibits 29 artworks at the fourth impressionist painting exhibition in Paris. The artists also change their name to 'independent artists' during this exhibition.
1879-09-05
Death of Camille Monet
At the age of thirty-two, Camille Monet, Claude Monet's wife, passed away on September 5, 1879, due to tuberculosis, leading Monet to paint her on her death bed.
1880-01
Paintings of River Ice Breakup
Monet creates several stunning paintings capturing the breaking up of river ice in the first few days of January.
1881-02-17
Durand-Ruel Purchases Monet's Works
Starting from February 17th, Durand-Ruel becomes a regular purchaser of Claude Monet's artworks.
1882-02-15
Stay at 'À la Renommée des Galettes'
After spending several days in Dieppe, Monet moves into the hotel/restaurant 'À la Renommée des Galettes' in Pourville-sur-Mer from February 15th to mid-April.
1883-01-21
Visit to Le Havre and Étretat
Monet spends several days in Le Havre and then moves to Étretat, staying at Hôtel Blanquet until February 21st.
1884
Stay in Bordighera and Menton
In 1884, Claude Monet stayed in Bordighera on the Riviera di Ponente in Italy, and later moved to Menton from January to mid-April.
1885-05-15
First Exhibition at Georges Petit's International Exhibition
In 1885, Claude Monet exhibited for the first time at the international exhibition organized by art dealer Georges Petit, which opened on May 15 at 8 rue de Sèze in Paris.
1886-02
Return to Étretat and Les XX Exhibition in Brussels
In February 1886, Monet returned to Étretat and sent ten artworks to the Les XX exhibition in Brussels.
1887-05-08
Exhibition at Galerie Petit's Sixth International Exhibition
From May 8 to June 8, 1887, Claude Monet exhibited at Galerie Petit's sixth international exhibition.
1888
Monet's Paintings Exhibited in New York
Durand-Ruel showcases Monet's paintings in New York, marking a significant moment in the artist's career and recognition in the art world.
1889-02-15
Monet visits Creuse valley with Geffroy, Muller, and Jourdain
In the second fortnight of February 1889, art critic Geffroy takes Claude Monet, Louis Muller, and Frantz Jourdain to the Creuse valley where they stay with poet Maurice Rollinat in Fresselines for a few days.
1890-11
Monet purchases the house in Giverny
By November 1890, Claude Monet became prosperous enough to buy the house, surrounding buildings, and land in Giverny. This marked a significant milestone in his life and artistic journey.
1891-05-04
Exhibition of Monet's 'Haystacks' at Galerie Durand-Ruel
In May 1891, Claude Monet showcases 15 versions of his 'Haystacks' at the exhibition of his recent works held at Galerie Durand-Ruel from 4th to 16th May.
1891-12-01
Monet's Water Lily Garden and Japanese Bridge
Monet purchased a property after renting it temporarily and created a water lily garden and a Japanese bridge, which became prominent features in many of his paintings.
1892-02-29
Durand-Ruel exhibits 'Poplars' paintings by Monet
From 29th February to 10th March 1892, Durand-Ruel displays around 15 paintings of 'Poplars' by Claude Monet.
1893-02
Monet works on 'Cathedrals' in Rouen
Between February and mid-April 1893, Claude Monet focuses on his 'Cathedrals' series while working in Rouen.
1894-11-28
Cézanne visits Giverny with Monet
In November 1894, Cézanne visits Giverny where he is introduced to Geffroy, Rodin, and Clemenceau by Monet.
1895
Travels to Norway
In late January to early April 1895, Claude Monet travels to Norway.
1896-02
Works in Pourville-sur-Mer and Varengeville-sur-Mer
From mid-February to April 1896, Claude Monet works in Pourville-sur-Mer and Varengeville-sur-Mer.
1897
Returns to Pourville-sur-Mer and Varengeville-sur-Mer
In mid-January to March 1897, Claude Monet returns to work in Pourville-sur-Mer and Varengeville-sur-Mer.
1898-06-01
Georges Petit organises Monet's exhibition
On 1 June 1898, Georges Petit organises an exhibition of Monet's recent artworks, including 'Mornings on the Seine'.
1899
Water Lilies Series
Claude Monet began his iconic Water Lilies series around 1899. These paintings, depicting his beloved water garden at Giverny, are considered some of his most famous and influential works.
1900-02
Returns to London
In February 1900, Claude Monet returns to London.
1901-02
Durand-Ruel presents exhibition in New York
In February 1901, a similar exhibition to Georges Petit's is presented by Durand-Ruel in New York.
1902-02-20
Exhibition of Monet's 'View of Vétheuil' artworks
Six 'View of Vétheuil' artworks created by Monet in the summer of 1900 are displayed to the public at an exhibition at Galerie Bernheim-Jeune alongside Pissarro's recent artworks and a new series by Monet.
1903
Claude Monet paints 85 canvases of London
In 1903, Claude Monet takes three trips to London to create a total of 85 paintings capturing the essence of the city.
1904-05
Exhibition of Monet's 'Views of the Thames in London'
Thirty-seven 'Views of the Thames in London' artworks created between 1900-1904 are showcased at an exhibition at Galerie Durand-Ruel.
1907
Monet experiences first problems with eyesight
In 1907, Monet faced his first problems with eyesight. He also traveled to Italy during this time and discovered his love for Venice.
1908-10
Claude Monet starts painting his Japanese garden at Giverny
Starting in October 1908, Claude Monet embarks on a series of paintings depicting his Japanese garden located in Giverny.
1909-05-06
Exhibition of Monet's 'Les Nymphéas, Séries de paysages d'eau'
An exhibition titled 'Les Nymphéas, Séries de paysages d'eau' (Water lilies, series of water landscapes) featuring 48 artworks is held at Galerie Durand-Ruel.
1911-05-19
Death of Alice Monet
Alice Monet passes away on May 19.
1912-05-28
Galerie Bernheim-Jeune presents 'View of Venice'
In 1912, Galerie Bernheim-Jeune showcased 29 paintings titled 'View of Venice' from May 28 to June 8.
1914-02-10
Death of Jean Monet
Jean Monet, the eldest son of artist Claude Monet, passed away prematurely on February 10, 1914.
1916
Death of Jean Monet
Jean Monet, the eldest son of Claude Monet, passes away.
1919-01-01
Water Lilies
Water Lilies is a famous series of paintings by Claude Monet, a renowned French Impressionist artist. The paintings depict his water garden at his home in Giverny, France.
1922-01-01
Effects of Old Age
On January 1, 1922, the effects of old age may have started to impact Monet, affecting his health and possibly his artistic abilities.
1922-04-12
Donation of 'Water Lilies' panels to the French State
In 1922, the donation deed transferring the 'Water Lilies' panels to the French State was signed, fulfilling Monet's promise to Clemenceau made after the 1918 Armistice.
1923
Monet undergoes surgery to remove cataracts
After a decade of suffering from cataracts, Monet finally agrees to have surgery. By this time, he was medically blind in one eye and had only 10% vision in the other. His artistic style becomes more abstract and incorporates more red paint during this period.
1924-02
Durand-Ruel exhibits 'Water Lilies' in New York
In February 1924, Durand-Ruel displayed Claude Monet's 'Water Lilies' paintings in an exhibition held in New York.
1926-06-08
Visit of Vuillard and Roussel to Monet at Giverny
On June 8, 1926, artists Vuillard and Roussel visited Claude Monet at his residence in Giverny.
1926-12-05
Death of Claude Monet
Claude Monet, the renowned French painter who revolutionized modern art with his focus on light and color, passed away on December 5, 1926.
1927-05-17
Unveiling of Water Lilies Grandes Décorations at Musée de l’Orangerie
In 1927, the 'Water Lilies Grandes Décorations' were officially unveiled at the Musée de l’Orangerie following Monet's specified layout. This event marked the installation of Monet's iconic artwork at the museum.
1966
Bequeathal of Claude Monet's Home and Garden
Claude Monet's famous home and garden with its waterlily pond were bequeathed to the French Academy of Fine Arts in 1966. The property is now managed by the Fondation Claude Monet and opened for public visits in 1980.
1974
Publication of Claude Monet: Biographie et catalogue raisonné Tome I
In 1974, the first volume of Daniel Wildenstein's comprehensive catalogue raisonné on Claude Monet was published. This volume covers the period from 1840 to 1881 and includes detailed information on Monet's paintings during that time.
1979
Publication of Claude Monet: Biographie et catalogue raisonné Tome II
In 1979, the second volume of Daniel Wildenstein's catalogue raisonné on Claude Monet was published. This volume focuses on the years 1882 to 1886 and provides a detailed analysis of Monet's paintings from that period.
1985
Publication of Claude Monet: Biographie et catalogue raisonné Tome IV
In 1985, Daniel Wildenstein published the fourth volume of his book series on Claude Monet, covering the years 1899 to 1926 and focusing on Monet's paintings. The book was published in French.
1986
Publication of 'Monet: Nature into Art' by John House
The book 'Monet: Nature into Art' by John House was published in 1986, providing insights into Claude Monet's artistic style and his deep connection with nature. It contributes to the understanding of Monet's influence on the art world.
1991
Publication of Claude Monet: Biographie et catalogue raisonné Tome V
In 1991, Daniel Wildenstein released the fifth volume of his comprehensive work on Claude Monet, serving as a supplement to the previous volumes by including information on Monet's paintings, drawings, pastels, and indexes. The book was also in French.
1995
Publication of 'Claude Monet: Life and Art' by Paul Hayes Tucker
In 1995, Paul Hayes Tucker published 'Claude Monet: Life and Art,' offering a comprehensive look into Monet's life and artistic journey. The book sheds light on the personal and professional aspects of Monet's career.
1998
Theft of Falaises près de Dieppe
Claude Monet's painting Cliffs near Dieppe was stolen in 1998, and the museum's curator was convicted of the theft. The painting has been stolen on two separate occasions, with the most recent theft occurring in August 2007.
2004
Sale of Effects of Sun in the Fog
In 2004, Claude Monet's painting Effects of Sun in the Fog was sold for $20.1 million in London. This painting was created in 1904 and is known for its unique depiction of light and atmosphere.
2006
Publication of Evidence on Monet's Paintings
In 2006, the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society published a paper providing evidence that some of Monet's paintings, including Effects of Sun in the Fog, were painted in situ at St Thomas' Hospital over the river Thames.
2008-05-06
Sale of Le Pont du chemin de fer à Argenteuil
On May 6, 2008, Monet's painting Le Pont du chemin de fer à Argenteuil was sold for a record $41.4 million at Christie's auction in New York. This 1873 painting depicts a railway bridge spanning the Seine near Paris.
2008-06-24
Le bassin aux nymphéas (from the water lilies series) sold at Christie's
On June 24, 2008, the painting 'Le bassin aux nymphéas' from Claude Monet's water lilies series was sold at Christie's auction house for £36,500,000 ($71,892,376.34), setting a new auction record for the artist.
2015-06
Rouen Cathedral: The Facade at Sunset (1894)
An article from June 2015 discussing Claude Monet's painting 'Rouen Cathedral: The Facade at Sunset (1894).
2019-05-14
Claude Monet's Meules Sale
In May 2019, Claude Monet's painting 'Meules' was sold for over $110 million, showcasing the enduring value and appeal of the artist's work in the art market.
2024-03-29
Opening of Claude Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny
From March 29th to November 1st, 2024, Claude Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny will be open to visitors. The property, located at 84 rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny, offers a unique opportunity to explore the artist's former residence and inspiration for his famous paintings.