Water Lilies

Water Lilies is an iconic oil on canvas painting created by Claude Monet (French, 1840–1926) in 1906. Executed late in the artist’s career, this work exemplifies the continued refinement of Impressionism, a movement Monet was instrumental in founding during the 1860s. Although the peak of the period was decades past, Monet focused intensely on the effects of light, color, and atmosphere, applying thick impasto and visible brushstrokes characteristic of the style he championed in France.

The subject matter derives exclusively from the celebrated water garden Monet meticulously cultivated at his property in Giverny, a singular focus for the last three decades of his life. Unlike earlier Impressionist pieces that often depicted Parisian street scenes or landscapes with clear horizon lines, the 1906 Water Lilies minimizes depth perception. The composition is dedicated almost entirely to the reflective surface of the pond, creating an immersive, abstract field of color where the boundaries between water and sky reflections blur. Monet utilized delicate modulations of green, blue, purple, and pale pink pigment to capture the subtle movement of the water and the shifting light conditions throughout the day.

This particular painting is part of the esteemed permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. Monet's sustained exploration of the Nymphéas motif redefined landscape painting and proved hugely influential to modern art movements that followed. The series represents the crowning achievement of French Impressionism, demonstrating the artist’s revolutionary dedication to capturing ephemeral natural moments. As many historic images of this scale enter the public domain, prints and high-quality reproductions allow wider access to Monet’s transformative vision of color and light.