Who painted Stacks of Wheat (Sunset, Snow Effect)?

Stacks of Wheat (Sunset, Snow Effect) was painted by Claude Monet in 1890.

Where can I see Stacks of Wheat (Sunset, Snow Effect)?

Stacks of Wheat (Sunset, Snow Effect) is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Stacks of Wheat (Sunset, Snow Effect)?

Stacks of Wheat (Sunset, Snow Effect) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Stacks of Wheat (Sunset, Snow Effect)?

Museum-quality prints of Stacks of Wheat (Sunset, Snow Effect) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Stacks of Wheat (Sunset, Snow Effect)

Claude Monet , 1890

Stacks of Wheat (Sunset, Snow Effect) is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Claude Monet. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Stacks of Wheat (Sunset, Snow Effect) is an oil on canvas painting by Claude Monet, part of a series capturing wheat stacks near his Giverny farmhouse under varying light conditions.

Subject & Meaning

The conical wheat stacks, reaching 15-20 feet tall, symbolize sustenance and survival for Monet. Their interaction with the horizon and sky varies by season, with winter views often showing them 'bedded down' amidst hills and fields.

Technique & Style

Monet employed thick, rough brushstrokes and a dynamic color palette, transitioning from deep purple shadows to warm golden highlights, to capture the fleeting effects of sunset in winter light.

History & Provenance

Painted over 1890-1891, this piece was part of a groundbreaking 1891 exhibition at Galerie Durand-Ruel, where 15 Stacks of Wheat canvases were displayed together, achieving critical and financial success. The Art Institute of Chicago now holds the largest collection of this series.

Context

Stacks of Wheat was followed by other thematic series by Monet, including poplars, Rouen Cathedral, and his Giverny garden, solidifying his approach to capturing light and nature through serial painting.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Claude Monet

Oscar-Claude Monet was born in Paris on November 14, 1840, and raised from the age of five in Le Havre, where he began selling charcoal caricatures as a teenager.