Bathers at La Grenouillère

Claude Monet's Bathers at La Grenouillère is a seminal work that captures the lively atmosphere and dappled light of leisure by the Seine. Painted in 1869, this work was created during a period of collaboration with Renoir at Bougival, where Monet's style began to crystallize into what would become Impressionism. The scene vibrates with the movement of water and light, reflecting Monet's burgeoning interest in capturing the transient effects of sunlight on nature. The piece is also significant for its role in the development of the Impressionist movement, a term coined from the title of one of Monet's works exhibited in 1874. Monet's innovative approach to landscape painting and his dedication to painting en plein air is evident in this work, showcasing why he is regarded as a leading figure among the French Impressionists.