Ice Floes at Bougival
- Original dimensions
- 81.2 x 65 cm
- Museum
- room 903
- Year
- 1867
Scene depicted
The painting "Ice Floes at Bougival" depicts a snapshot at the end of winter, where sailors maneuver the river's ice while confronting the ephemeral essence of this gloomy yet graceful season. The reflections of the luminous sun rays dance on the icy surface, illustrating Monet's ability to create an atmosphere that is both peaceful and dynamic.
Historical context
Year: 1867 |BRK| Museum: room 903 |BRK| Dimensions: 81.2 x 65 cm
Place in the artist's career
"Ice Floes at Bougival" marks a pivotal moment in Monet's career, symbolizing his liberation from academic constraints. Two other of his iconic paintings , " Impression, Sunrise " and " Water Lilies ", establish a continuity in his exploration of light and color, reflecting his constant artistic evolution and quest to capture fleeting moments.
Anecdote
Monet once declared: "Light is my ally; it makes every moment immortal." That morning, as the sun gently rose over the river's ice, he managed, like few artists, to compose this masterpiece tempered by the cold and illuminated by the serene beauty of a changing landscape. This moment of inspiration, both unreal and tangible, is embodied in every brushstroke of the canvas .