Poplars on the Banks of the River Epte, Overcast Weather Claude Monet Date: 1891 Style: Impressionism Genre: landscape
The S- curve that was outlined by the top of the trees in the background was a crucial element in these paintings, not only did it add motion to the image but also the S-curve had associations with the Rococo. Ingres had used the S-curve in his female figures for beauty and grace. Monet and his audience at the time would, of course, recognize this which caused some critics and artists to disapprove of the Poplars Series as too pretty and too decorative. But at the end of 19th century, decorative was favorable and they sold really well. Viewers actually loved these paintings because of the S-curve and the decorative aspect which reminded them of France's dominance during the Rococo period.
In 2015, the National Gallery in London exhibited five paintings of the series, together in a single room, for the duration of an exhibition devoted to Paul Durand-Ruel. This was a rare occurrence and believed to possibly be the first time that these five paintings have been exhibited together since they were painted.
The paintings were also shown at The Philadelphia Museum of Art when the exhibition travelled from London to Philadelphia.
Copyright Statement:
All the reproduction of any forms about this work unauthorized by Singing Palette including images, texts and so on will be deemed to be violating the Copyright Laws. To cite this webpage, please link back here.