Water Lilies (Nymphéas)
Painting on canvas • Claude Monet
Style & Movement
French Impressionism / Late Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; wet-on-wet technique with layered impasto and atmospheric scumbling
Creation Period
Circa 1914–1926
Dimensions & Format
Large horizontal panoramic format; approximately 200 x 425 cm (6.5 x 14 ft)
Subject Description
A close-up, immersive view of a water lily pond at Giverny. The composition lacks a horizon line or traditional focal point, emphasizing the surface of the water, reflections of the sky, and floating lily pads. It explores the play of light and color through atmospheric purples, greens, and blues.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; well-preserved within a museum environment with stable paint layers
Estimated Market Value
$50 million – $80 million
Auction Estimate
$40 million – $70 million
Provenance History
Acquired directly from the artist's studio or estate; likely held in a major institutional collection such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or the Musée de l'Orangerie.
Art Historical Significance
A masterpiece of Monet's late period, these works bridged Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism. The 'Grandes Décorations' influenced 20th-century artists like Joan Mitchell and Mark Rothko by redefining spatial depth and immersion in painting.
Notable Features
The absence of a horizon line creates an 'all-over' compositional effect; visible gestural brushstrokes that signify the artist's late-style move toward abstraction.
Condition Issues
Potential for minor surface grime or craquelure typical of thick oil applications on large canvases; light-induced fading is a risk if not UV-protected.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain stable humidity (45-55%) and temperature; use UV-filtered museum lighting; periodic professional surface cleaning to remove dust buildup.