I decided to talk about one of Monet’s paintings and more specifically, “Impression, Sunrise”,

a painting first presented in 1874 at the Exhibition of Impressionists. The painting depicts the
port of Le Havre, which is where Monet was born.
In general, the painting might not look out of the ordinary, as it doesn’t depict fantastic
imagery or bizarre figures, but it is the simplicity of this landscape and the circumstances in
which it was painted that give it this fame and appreciation.
Right when we look at the painting we notice the small rowing boat that stands out of the
scenery, due to its darker color. Behind, the other rowing boat is more washed out, blending
in with the almost completely washed out scenery in the distance. Another element we can’t
help but notice is the small but beautiful sun which casts its piercing orange color, specific to
the sunrise, over the entire port, embracing the entire painting. Last but not least, in the
faded distance, it’s more difficult, but it’s essential to realize those are clipper ships with tall
masts, smokestacks of steamships and even farther - other masts and chimneys against the sky.
I believe the elements all together combine in such a way to give us an insight into the 1870s,
the postwar period of France, after being defeated by the Prusacs in the Franco-Prussian War of
1870-1871. Thus, Monet felt like he had to portray revitalized France on a canvas. He excluded
various houses in the painting on purpose, to emphasize these features of the industry (the
modern steamships, clipper ships).
I admire the way he portrayed this highly commercial site in such a beautiful way, the painting
being a poem of light and atmosphere. As a result he managed to celebrate the renewed
strength and beauty of the country. Personally, this is the reason I appreciate it. It’s not just a
painting of the french sunrise. Monet added various elements with a purpose, therefore
portraying the french sunrise not just as a sunrise, but as a sunrise made even more beautiful
considering the historic implications.