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Claude Monet: The Painter of Light
French Impressionist painter, 1840–1926
Claude Monet was born in Paris on 14 November 1840 and grew up in Le Havre.
He painted outdoors to capture fleeting light, and his Impression, Sunrise gave Impressionism its name in 1874.
From 1883 he lived at Giverny, where he created the garden and pond that inspired his water lilies.
Career highlights
- 1872Impression, Sunrise: names a movement
- 1874First Impressionist show: Paris
- 1883Giverny: moves to his famous home
- 1890Haystacks: series painting
- 1892Rouen Cathedral: series
- 1914Water Lilies: giant panels begin
Did you know?His huge water lily panels fill two oval rooms at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, designed to his wishes.