The Water-Lily Pond (Le Bassin aux Nymphéas)
Painting on canvas • Claude Monet (French, 1840-1926)
Style & Movement
French Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas employing Impressionist broken-color technique, wet-on-wet application, and high-impasto texture
Creation Period
1899
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 88.3 x 93.1 cm (34 3/4 x 36 5/8 in); square format
Subject Description
A view of the Japanese-style bridge over the water lily pond at Monet's garden in Giverny. The composition features the arching bridge as a central horizontal element, surrounded by lush weeping willows and water lilies reflecting on the surface of the pond.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the work appears stable with well-preserved impasto and vibrant pigment saturation
Estimated Market Value
$30,000,000 - $50,000,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$35,000,000 - $45,000,000 USD
Provenance History
Originally purchased from the artist by Durand-Ruel in 1900; various private and public collections including the National Gallery, London, or similar major institutions depending on the specific version depicted
Art Historical Significance
A cornerstone of the Impressionist movement, this series represents Monet's shift toward the domestic sanctuary of his Giverny garden and his obsessive study of light, color, and reflection. It is one of the most iconic images in Western art history.
Notable Features
Signed and dated 'Claude Monet 99' in the lower right; housed in a period-style gilt Louis XIV carved frame; features the distinctive vertical willow branches contrast against the horizontal bridge.
Condition Issues
Minor age-related craquelure and potential slight yellowing of old varnish layers; however, no significant losses or damages are visible.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain controlled humidity (45-55%) and temperature; display under UV-filtered museum glass; professional monitoring for varnish oxidation.