The Monet you don't know

Thanks, Walter. I recently did a presentation that touched on Monet's work, and that re-awakened an appreciation for it. Often, a famous artist's work is repeated, reproduced, put on playing cards, coasters, and umbrellas, until it becomes hackneyed. And then something like this comes along to remind us of their genius again.

Having my morning coffee while looking at this unknown work was very nice. (Wish I was in New York.)

Me too. I've been reappreciating Monet myself lately.

earlier this year I went to an exhibition of Renoirs landscapes and they showed a painting of La Grenouillere by Monet and R side by side - Monet's was so much better, dazzling light, contre jour, drama, movement and contrasts. I really like Monet but they are so much better in real life - frequently seeing reproductions and as has been said - on biscuit tins and playing cards! doesn't do justice to his work.

I had that experience last year at the Art Institute in Chicago. I was wandering through, and came to a Botticelli 'Madonna with Child'. I was mesmerized -- must have stood there for half an hour, until my friends came back to get me. Such an overworked theme, such a commercialized image. But the real painting left me in awe.