The Water Lily Pond with Irises

In 1893 the painter laid out a water garden in Giverny, and in 1897/98 he produced preliminary studies for the panorama-like design of a circular room, which was to have the water-lily pond of this garden as its subject. After enlarging the pond in 1902, Monet painted a first series of water-lily pictures in 1903-1908, either outdoors or in his studio, depending on the season. From 1914 onwards, he returned to the project of creating a monumental decorative ensemble. Thus, he had a new, spacious studio built in 1915, where he painted large-format panneaux in winter, based on studies made in front of the motif. In 1918, he decided to donate a large series of the 'Nymphéas' to the French state as a tribute to his friend, Prime Minister Georges Clémenceau. Since 1927, the 'Décoration des Nymphéas' has been open to the public in two oval halls in the orangery of the Tuileries Gardens. The two panneaux now kept in Zurich were created in this context, along with other water lily pictures.