Was Claude Monet always a master, or did some of his work fall short?

Lecture | Monet, Great/Not so Great: Looking Closely · 51:13 · Video: The Met · Watch at the source

In short: Art historian Gloria Groom examines the long career of Claude Monet to distinguish his undisputed masterpieces from works where his technique and composition falter. This lecture explores how historical context, shifting public taste, and the art market influence our perception of greatness.

The lecture series, supported by a gift from Michael A. and Juliet van Vliet Rubenstein, challenges the assumption that every piece by a renowned artist is a triumph. By scrutinizing Monet’s extensive body of work, the presentation invites viewers to look past the artist's reputation and evaluate the execution of individual paintings.

Beyond technical skill, the talk highlights the subjective nature of connoisseurship. It suggests that the label of greatness is often shaped by external forces, including the economic pressures of the art market and the evolving aesthetic preferences of different eras.

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