Impression, Soleil Levant (Rising Sun), 1872

Around the month of November in 1872, Claude Monet (1840-1926) completed this work in just a few hours, in his hotel room overlooking the Port of Le Havre.
Monet's painting bears witness to the importance of his meeting with Boudin, and his discovery of the work of Turner. It seeks to render an atmosphere rather than a naturalist view. His stroke is therefore fragmented, the industrial port is steeped in mist, and contours are softened.
The horizon is positioned high in the image. On both sides, the quay's frame the central vista, which opens onto the basin of the River Eure. In the foreground, the eye is drawn to a deep blue boat and a vibrant orange sun. These two complementary colors give the work a contrasted balance.
Initially scorned, this work is now famous, and has given its name to the impressionist movement.