Madame Monet and Her Son

“Woman with a Parasol — Madame Monet and Her Son” (1875) by Claude Monet
Claude Monet’s Woman with a Parasol — Madame Monet and Her Son captures an idyllic moment on a breezy summer day, featuring Monet’s wife, Camille, holding a green parasol, and their son Jean in a field of wildflowers. The painting is composed from a low vantage point, giving Camille a majestic presence against a vast, bright sky. Monet’s rapid brushstrokes depict movement in Camille’s flowing dress, the parasol, and the tall grass, evoking the gentle sway of wind. The impressionistic rendering of the figures emphasizes light and color over detail, lending a sense of spontaneity and transience to the scene.​

Created in 1875, Woman with a Parasol reflects Monet’s experimentation with plein air (outdoor) painting, a hallmark of the Impressionist movement, which sought to capture the effects of natural light and fleeting moments. This period in Monet’s career was highly productive, as he and other Impressionists challenged traditional academic painting by portraying everyday scenes with innovative techniques. This work was exhibited in the second Impressionist exhibition in 1876, where it exemplified the Impressionist ethos of capturing a “snapshot” of life, moving away from static and formal portraiture​

Monet used oil on canvas, applying his signature loose, energetic brushstrokes to create a vibrant scene with minimal fine detail. The composition, at 100 x 81 cm, emphasizes color and light through a high-contrast palette of bright blues, greens, and yellows. Camille’s dress, though primarily white, reflects hints of green and yellow from the surrounding grass and wildflowers, while her parasol’s dark green contrasts with the sky’s light blues and whites. The sky itself is rendered with sweeping, dappled strokes that blend blue, white, and touches of gray, enhancing the sense of motion and depth​

This painting is a celebration of familial affection and the beauty of the everyday. Camille and Jean’s interaction with nature underscores Impressionism’s focus on casual, intimate moments rather than grand historical scenes. The parasol, a common accessory of the time, symbolizes both protection from the sun and a sense of leisurely sophistication. Monet’s choice to depict Camille looking down at the viewer creates a sense of connection, as if inviting us into this tranquil moment. Through this work, Monet captures the joy of a carefree family outing, elevating it to a universal expression of warmth and connection​

Woman with a Parasol remains one of Monet’s most celebrated works and a quintessential example of Impressionist style. Its emphasis on light, color, and fleeting moments influenced generations of artists and helped establish Monet as a leading figure in modern art. Today, the painting is housed in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., where it continues to inspire viewers with its delicate portrayal of natural beauty and its innovative technique that transformed landscape and portraiture painting​

Enhance your space with “Woman with a Parasol — Madame Monet and Her Son” (1875) by Claude Monet, a masterpiece of Impressionism that brings the serene beauty of nature and family to life. This horizontal gallery-wrapped canvas print captures the vivid colors and dynamic brushstrokes that define Monet’s work. Available in various sizes with optional walnut or black frames, this artwork preserves the freshness and elegance of the original, offering a timeless reminder of joy and connection for any room in your home.