Claude Monet biography

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Artist. Born Oscar Claude Monet (some sources say Claude Oscar) on November 14, 1840, in Paris, France. Claude Monet is one of the most famous painters in the history of art and a leading figure in the Impressionist movement. His works can be seen in museums around the world. His father, Adolphe, worked in his family's shipping business while his mother, Louise, took care of the family. A trained singer, Louise liked poetry and was a popular hostess.

At the age of 5, Monet moved with his family to Le Havre, a port town in the Normandy region. He grew up there with his older brother Leon. While he was reportedly a decent student, Monet did not like being confined to a classroom. He was more interested in being outside. At an early age, Monet developed a love of drawing. He filled his schoolbooks with sketches of people, including caricatures of his teachers. While his mother supported his artistic efforts, Monet's father wanted him to go into business. Monet suffered greatly after the death of his mother in 1857.

In the community, Monet became well known for his caricatures, and drew many of the town's residents. After meeting Eugene Boudin, a local landscape artist, Monet started to explore the natural world in his work. Boudin introduced Monet to painting outdoors, or plein air painting. In 1859, Monet decided to move to Paris to pursue his art. He enrolled as a student at the Academie Suisse. During this time, Monet met fellow artist Camille Pissarro who became a close friend for many years.

From 1861 to 1862, Monet was stationed in Algiers for his military service, but he was discharged because for health reasons. Returning to Paris, Monet studied with Charles Gleyre. Through Gleyre, Monet met several other artists, including Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, and Frederic Bazille. The four of them became friends. He also received advice and support from Johann Barthold Jongkind, a landscape painter who proved to be an important influence to the young artist.

Monet liked to work outdoors and was sometimes accompanied by Renoir, Sisley, and Bazille on these painting sojourns. Monet won acceptance to the Salon of 1865, an annual juried art show in Paris. The show chose two of his paintings, which were marine landscapes. The works received some critical praise, but Monet still struggled financially.

The following year, Monet was selected again to participate in the Salon. This time, the show officials chose a landscape and a portrait Camille (or also called Woman in Green), which featured his lover and future wife Camille Doncieux. Doncieux came from a humble background and was substantially younger than Monet.