Object Image

The Artist's Garden at Vétheuil

Monet planted gardens wherever he lived. When he rented this house at Vétheuil, he made arrangements with the owner to landscape the terraces, which lead down to the Seine. The boy with the wagon is Monet's young son, and on the steps behind him are other members of his extended household.

On the path, the brilliant sunlight is dappled with shade that falls in blues, plums, and various greens. Figures and faces are defined -briefly- with color. The large flowerpots were Monet's, and he took them with him each time he moved, using them in other gardens. They are "blue and white" only in our understanding: examined up close they are blue and green where they reflect the grass behind them, elsewh...

1881
Oil on canvas
151.5 x 121.0cm
1970.17.45
Image and text © National Gallery of Art, 2021

Where you'll find this

National Gallery of Art
Permanent collection