Sandvika, Norway

Sandvika, Norway is an oil on canvas painting created by the celebrated French master, Claude Monet (French, 1840-1926), in 1895. Executed during the later phase of the Impressionism movement, this work demonstrates the artist's continued preoccupation with capturing the ephemeral qualities of light and atmosphere in different geographic settings.

Monet traveled to Norway in the winter of 1895, documenting the rugged, snow-dusted landscape near Oslo. Unlike many of his famous series paintings focusing on domestic French scenes, this piece captures the unique topography and crisp, subdued light of a Scandinavian winter. The technique applied to the canvas is characteristic of late Impressionism, utilizing broken color and visible, rapid brushstrokes to simulate the texture of snow and the reflection of pale light on the frozen water. Monet's mastery of depicting specific environmental conditions is evident in the nuanced application of blues, violets, and pale yellows used to define the winter air and the stark beauty of the setting. The painting captures the precise moment when changing weather conditions modulate the perception of form and color.

Although painted abroad, the visual language of the artwork remains firmly rooted in the traditions of France, where the Impressionism movement originated and flourished. Monet’s international fame ensured that his works quickly became foundational to modern collections globally. This significant oil on canvas is today housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars and the public an invaluable example of the artist’s mature style. The enduring popularity of this period means that high-quality prints and references of this work, often derived from images entering the public domain, circulate widely, reinforcing Monet's legacy as a leading figure in 19th-century art.