Monet exhibited this work at the second group show of the Impressionist painters in 1876, where it attracted much attention. Large-scale figure paintings had traditionally been considered the most significant challenge for an artist. Using this format, Monet created a virtuoso display of brilliant color that is also a witty comment on the current Paris fad for all things Japanese. The woman shown wrapped in a splendid kimono and surrounded by fans is Monet's wife, Camille, wearing a blond wig to emphasize her Western identity.
Camille Monet on Her Death Bed
Claude Monet painted this portrait after his first wife Camille's death on September 5, 1879. He mentioned later that when he looked at her, instead of seeing his dead wife and former model, he saw interesting colors he would like to paint. This may have made him regretful and moody for the last minutes he stood there. Perhaps his love of painting inspired him to do this portrait. Monet included lots of blue and gray in this painting, as well as yellow/orange and red. Some people might feel that Monet made the portrait too light by including those hues. The light seems to be coming from the right as it shines upon Camille's face. Although you can determine that Camille wears a shroud and can definitely make out her face, the rest of the painting is less clearly described. Are those Camille's arms? Is she dressed in black? Does she have flowers? Is her mouth open? Or closed? Many have puzzled on these questions. I advise you to do the same if you have any spare time. Monet was very sad at Camille's death. She was his favorite model and had allowed him to produce the paintings below. She also appears in other paintings, whether as the subject or a background feature. Usually, Monet's son, Jean is with her. Monet also had a son named Michel, but he usually does not appear with Camille.
Camille Doncieux (1847 – 5 September 1879) was the first wife of Claude Monet.She modelled for her husband on several occasions, including for the painting Camille, "The Woman in the Green Dress".
They were married in 1870. She became ill in 1875. They had two sons; Jean was born in 1867, Michel was born in 1878. This second child weakened her already fading health.
She died of tuberculosis on 5 September, 1879; Monet painted her on her death bed.
They were married in 1870. She became ill in 1875. They had two sons; Jean was born in 1867, Michel was born in 1878. This second child weakened her already fading health.
She died of tuberculosis on 5 September, 1879; Monet painted her on her death bed.
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