The Thames below Westminster, Claude Monet, oil on canvas, 18.5 by 28.7 in., 1871, National Gallery, London.
The period known as Impressionism has produced numerous masters, one of these being Claude Monet. Painting over 1000 pieces in total, his work became a symbol, not only of artistic beauty but the development of the world around him. One of his most miraculous works is The Thames below Westminster painted in 1871. In the fall of 1870, Paris increasingly became more involved with the Franco-Prussian War, forcing Monet and his family to leave. They settled in London, where Monet became fascinated by the amount of fog and mists present in the area. Years later, he would say, “Without the fog, London would not be a beautiful city. It’s the fog that gives it its magnificent breadth.” During the time that this painting was created, a large amount of the architecture seen was still in mid-construction or new. Monet searched for differing architectural areas to paint. Due to the devastating fire which destroyed the Houses of Parliament, it had recently been rebuilt upon Monet’s arrival. If one zones in on the right of the painting, figures are seen, finishing up the construction. His technique while painting the river reflects the dull shadow of the background. His signature brushstrokes also play on movement, making the water look like it’s continuously moving. Specifically, in The Thames below Westminster, Monet focused more on emotion than architectural factors. His exaggeration of the towers towards the back provides a storybook-like quality, almost like the viewer was sucked into a fantasy atmosphere. Over the years, he returned to London, where he painted both the Waterloo Bridge and the Houses of Parliament numerous times, depicting them during different stages of the day.
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