Signed (lower left)

Image Dimensions: 29 x 23 3/4 in (73.7 x 60.5 cm)

This painting comes with COA.

Claude Monet stands as the foundational figure of Impressionism, whose lifelong pursuit of light, color, and perception reshaped the language of modern painting. By the 1890s, Monet had moved decisively away from expansive landscapes toward more concentrated motifs, allowing him to explore visual sensation with increasing intensity. His flower paintings from this period reflect a deepening focus on color relationships and surface structure, marking a crucial transition toward the immersive pictorial fields of his later years.

This painting, created in 1897, belongs to Monet's celebrated engagement with chrysanthemums, a subject he returned to repeatedly during the final decade of the nineteenth century. Unlike traditional floral still lifes, Monet's chrysanthemums dissolve conventional spatial hierarchy. The blossoms fill the pictorial field almost entirely, eliminating a clear horizon and drawing the viewer into a dense, vibrating tapestry of color. This approach reflects Monet's growing interest in painting as an all-over visual experience rather than a window onto space.

The composition is constructed through clusters of blossoms rendered in thick, animated strokes. Yellows, whites, pinks, reds, and greens are interwoven across the surface, each flower defined less by contour than by chromatic contrast. Monet's brushwork is energetic yet controlled, creating a sense of constant movement as the eye travels across the canvas. The absence of a central focal point encourages prolonged viewing, allowing subtle shifts of hue and texture to emerge gradually.

Works from Monet's chrysanthemum series are regarded as pivotal within his late oeuvre. They anticipate the immersive qualities of the Water Lilies while remaining grounded in observable natural forms. Comparable paintings are held in major museum collections and frequently cited in scholarly discussions of Monet's progression toward modern abstraction. On the market, large-scale floral compositions from the 1890s are exceptionally rare and command sustained attention due to their importance within the Impressionist canon.

From an art historical perspective, this painting exemplifies Monet's radical rethinking of pictorial space. By treating flowers as fields of color rather than discrete objects, he challenged traditional compositional norms and expanded the expressive potential of painting. Scholars often view these works as essential links between Impressionism and later developments in twentieth-century abstraction.

In spatial terms, the painting possesses a powerful environmental presence. Its vibrant palette and all-over composition allow it to command a space without relying on narrative or architectural structure. Whether displayed in an intimate interior or a formal institutional setting, the work radiates visual energy and chromatic richness.

In summary, this chrysanthemum painting represents Claude Monet at a moment of profound artistic refinement. Through dense color, rhythmic brushwork, and immersive composition, he transformed a familiar subject into a pioneering exploration of perception and surface. The work stands as a significant and highly sought-after example of Monet's late nineteenth-century mastery.

ALL SOLD AS IS, NO RETURN
Condition:
Any representation in any catalogue or otherwise as to the origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, or estimated selling price of any lot is a statement of opinion only. Such statements do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Swanley Auction Ltd in relation to the lot.
Any prospective buyer should satisfy themselves prior to the sale as to the reliability of the catalogue description. The absence of mention of prior restorations in the descriptions does not imply that the item is exempt from such restorations.
Photographs of any lot provided by Swanley Auction Ltd are for indicative purposes only and are not deemed to be a precise representation of the said lot.
The buyer is advised to seek independent expert advice to ensure the authenticity and true state of the item.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at contact@swanleyauction.com