Claude Monet's Grainstacks

Part 1: The Iconic Subject Considered

The Thames below Westminster, Claude Monet, about 1871, From the collection of: The National Gallery, London
,
Water Lilies, Claude Monet, ca. 1914-1917, From the collection of: Legion of Honor
Show lessRead more

Monet painted several series throughout his career, revisiting the same subject at different times of year and day to study to the impact of light and atmosphere on his subject. Most famous of these serial works are his water lilies, though he serialized grainstacks and the façade of Rouen cathedral, among other subjects.

Grainstacks in Bright Sunlight, Claude Monet, 1890, From the collection of: Hill-Stead Museum
,
Wheatstacks, Snow Effect, Morning (Meules, Effet de Neige, Le Matin), Claude Monet, 1891, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Show lessRead more

When first exhibited in 1891 at Durand-Ruel’s gallery in Paris, Monet insisted all the Grainstacks be displayed together.

LIFE Photo Collection

In conversation with W.G.C. Byvanck (1848-1925), a visitor to his Durand-Ruel exhibition, Monet stated “…there are some [Grainstacks] that really aren’t bad, but they only acquire their full value by comparison and in the succession of the full series.”

Grainstacks in Bright Sunlight (1890) by Claude MonetHill-Stead Museum

Organized chronologically, these seven Grainstacks depicting a variety of atmospheric conditionsviewed together, provide viewers the opportunity to consider them as a group, as Monet intended.

Haystack in Giverny (1889) by Claude MonetTel Aviv Museum of Art

Haystacks in Giverney

This treatment of the famed grainstacks subject from 1889 features a cool palette, evoking an autumn or winter setting. Monet’s use of impasto is visible, with his heavy application of paint and blending of colors highlighting the objects’ dimensionality.

Grainstacks, White Frost Effect (1889) by Claude MonetHill-Stead Museum

Grainstacks, White Frost Effect

The next iteration chronologically is this one, also from 1889. Experts have determined this canvas was worked on in the morning in early autumn based on the shadows.

Grainstacks (1890) by Claude MonetMuseum Barberini

Grainstacks

This 1890 piece is unique in the collection given its diagonal orientation in relation to its subject, with a strong orthogonal running from the large stack in the left foreground. The bright hues and highly saturated tone of pink also distinguish it from others in the study.

Grainstacks in Bright Sunlight (1890) by Claude MonetHill-Stead Museum

Grainstacks in Bright Sunlight

This composition features a yellow outline on the grainstacks, unique to this canvas compared to others in the series. The divergent shadows could not have been cast simultaneously by the same source of light – indicating that Monet worked on this scene over time.

Grainstack in the Sunlight, Snow Effect (1891) by Claude MonetMuseum Barberini

Grainstack in the Sunlight, Snow Effect

This composition preserves Monet’s impression of a winter day in the field near his home in Giverny.

Haystacks: Snow Effect (1891) by Claude MonetNational Galleries Scotland: National

Haystacks: Snow Effect

While holding a similar name to the previous painting, the two are drastically different in composition. Monet’s use of the word “effect” in multiple titles is an attempt to convey the specific conditions which result in the impression of the subject Monet attempted to preserve.

Wheatstacks, Snow Effect, Morning (1891) by Claude MonetThe J. Paul Getty Museum

Wheatstacks, Snow Effect, Morning

Here, Monet combines multiple elements previously identified as fundamental to the composition. The entirety of the series represents more than his affinity for the rural landscape, they speak to “time and change, innocence and ageing, tradition and modernity.” (Paul H. Tucker)

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
United States of Culture
From Yosemite to Broadway, take a trip around the States with more than 560 American institutions
View theme
Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites