Claude Monet and the Rise of Japonisme

For French artist Oscar-Claude Monet, life was an endless source of wonder, amazement, and inspiration. It seemed that the world itself and everything within it held a divine and artistic quality in the eyes of Monet.

From bridges to boats, gardens to haystacks, many of Monet’s most famous paintings portrayed little more than that of everyday life. However, the famous Monet artist was able to capture these scenes so that both their inherent and inner beauty shone radiantly from out of the canvas.

Of the many inspirations that inspired Claude Monet artwork, perhaps none were more influential than the influx of Japanese art and aesthetics that swept over the western art scene in the 19th century. Claude Monet paintings are arguably the premier and most prominent example of this craze, known as Japonisme. Let’s learn more about Monet artist!

What is Japonisme?

Japonisme is a French term formed in the latter part of the 19th century. It is most commonly used to describe the craze of Japanese art that took over Western Europe. Especially in regards to the painting style and design models of the period.

During this time, Japan’s borders were reopened to the west. During this time, Western artists such as Monet were also beginning to reject traditional methods in search of new ones. So, when Japanese culture came on the scene, it was embraced as a breath of fresh air.

As a result, an entirely new genre of artistic expression was born. From painting to pottery, architecture to gardening, even fashion, and theater, all became influenced by Japan. Though possibly the most influenced of all, though, was Monet, this new obsession would begin to appear in many of Claude Monet artworks.

Characteristics of Japonisme

So, with all that being said, it begs the question, what exactly is Japonisme? At its core, it could be said that Japonisme is similar to impressionism in that it favors portraying the impression and atmosphere of what it is recreating rather than a mere reflection of realism.

For this very reason, it is convenient to see why it made for such an easy transition into the western impressionist style of painting and had such an influence on artists such as Monet. Impressionist artists were drawn to the different uses of space and abstract use of color involved in Japanese paintings and prints.

Furthermore, the asymmetrical components of Japanese paintings accompanied by elongated and unusual angles, flattened perspectives, and strong diagonal lines made for a radical and welcomed revolution to traditional Western means.

Monet and Japan

Monet himself never traveled to Japan, but from the moment he first became acquainted with the works, he was instantly a fan of the style. He quickly surrounded himself with Japanese artwork and soon adopted the technique into his paintings soon after.

Like Claude Monet’s famous paintings, Japanese paintings demonstrated that simple, short-lived, everyday subjects and moments could be depicted in such a beautiful, captivating, and decoratively appealing way that they could strike a chord with such a mass audience.

Through Claude Monet’s artwork and other artists of the time, this Japanese influence would reach its perfection and peak. If you check out Claude Monet’s most famous paintings or learn more about the artist, you will soon discover how influential Japan was in the great artist’s work.

The Water Lily Pond

The Water Lily Pond Aka Japanese Bridge – Claude Monet

Of all these works, perhaps none are a more shining example of this Japanese flavor and influence than Monet’s Water Lily Pond and Japanese Bridge paintings. For in Japan, both water and bridges hold deep meaning and symbology to the people of Japan.

In regards to Monet himself, these paintings represent some of his most outstanding artistic achievements. Mainly his gardens at his home in Giverny and the many paintings that they inspired.

His beautiful Impressionist depictions of the serene pond, the arched bridge, and the water lily itself are said to be the epitome of Monet’s view on art and those of the spirit of Japanese artists.

Influence on Impressionism

The introduction of Japanese culture had a tremendous impact on Monet art, but it also influenced many other artists of the time, not to mention the very practice of art itself as a whole. The effect was so significant that Impressionism painting under Japanese influence would soon become the most popular and predominant style for many years to come.

Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, Belgian painter Alfred Stevens, French painters Edouard Manet and Edgar Degas, and American painter James McNeil Whistler are just a few of the most well-known artists of the time. These Japanese techniques and aesthetics heavily influenced them.

Impressionism would quickly continue to produce masterpiece after masterpiece. However, artists were now free to capture the more heartfelt and fleeting moments of life. Many of which would hold nature at their forefront. For in truth, humankind is inseparable from nature, and this is something Japanese artists embodied long before Western art caught up.

The Bottom Line

As a consequence of all this, Monet’s paintings and the world of art would change forever. Molds were broken, and traditions were shattered. Artists now painted outdoors instead of in studios. Color and emotion would take over from symbols and religious meaning. For feelings, not meanings, is how life is lived and what it is truly all about.