Claude Monet

Claude Monet (1840–1926) was a French painter and a founder of **Impressionism**, a movement that revolutionized art by capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. Known for his loose brushwork and vibrant colors, Monet focused on outdoor scenes, painting the same subject at different times of the day to explore shifting light and mood. His most famous works include *Impression, Sunrise* (which gave the movement its name), *Water Lilies*, *Haystacks*, and *Rouen Cathedral* series. Monet’s innovative approach laid the foundation for modern art, emphasizing perception and emotion over realism.