Claude Monet
1903
Oil on canvas
65.4 x 100 cm
The unveiling of the Thames series in 1904 was a revelation to visitors and critics. One stated, ‘this spring 1904 … sees the definitive recognition of Monet’ while another mused, ‘he will have been Impressionism all on his own’. After years of hardship, Monet was now widely recognised as France’s leading painter and his works were in great demand. He continued, however, to seek new challenges. This was certainly the case with London’s particular atmosphere. Monet described the ‘wonderful things [he saw while in England], but none lasting more than five minutes, it is enough to drive one mad. No, there is no country more extraordinary for a painter.’