SUNDAY REVIEW / DO IT YOURSELF CLAUDE MONET EXHIBITION

"Le Bassin Aux Nympheas" by Claude Monet recently priced at more than $80 million

"Luncheon, 1868"

MONET MONEY—A news item from last fall intrigued me regarding that a 1906 painting titled “Water Lilies” by Claude Monet was auctioned off for more than $43 million by Christie’s late last year to an anonymous American collector.  Art experts worldwide call Monet’s water lilies series as the most influential paintings of the early 20th century (and obviously most expensive). 

If $40 mil for one painting got your attention, please note Monet’s “Le Bassin Aux Nympheas, 1919” sold at Christie's, London on June 2008, for $80,451,178.  In 1971, you could have had the same water lilies painting for a mere $320,000.  One can only wonder what prices Monet painting will fetch in the future.

Curiosity grabbed me now I had to see more works by Monet (1840-1926) and in doing so was amazed at how prolific this French master was during his long career. 

Since it would be very expensive and logistically challenging to visit Monet’s vast repertoire, however, Wikipedia and other Internet sites do a fine job of cataloging Monet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Monet

Another Internet site provides fascinating photographs of Monet and other images at http://www.monetpainting.net/photographs.php

"Antibes from Notre-Dame Plateau, 1888."

The Artist in his studio, 1923

"River Scene at Bettecourt, 1868"

This 1915 photograph captures Monet in his studio in spring, according to the tulips above his desk on the left.  Monet loved flowers are there are six vases (or more) in his studio.

Modern Day image of Monet's Studio

One more image and informational source: http://www.claudemonetgallery.org/