Monet in Giverny - Before the Water Lilies

Exhibition Catalogue Monet in Giverny : Before the Water Lilies, presented at the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny (March 27, 2026 - July 5, 2026).

This richly illustrated book sheds light on a previously unexplored chapter of Monet's life and career-before he began his signature water lily studies. The formative years spent discovering and capturing the beauty of Giverny, and his home there.

Long before his water lilies bloomed, the surrounding fields, hills, trees, light, and villages, as well as his vast meanderings in the region captivated him endlessly. Far from isolated, Monet became ever more connected to the world of art, enriching his energy and imagination.

This volume provides an exclusive exploration of the conditions that shaped one of the most prolific artists of all time.

Leading experts on Claude Monet have examined this pivotal decade in the artist’s career. The catalogue examines both the personal and the essential aspects of Monet’s creative output during this period: his family life and his relationships with the residents of Giverny, his growing fame, his commercial strategy, and the evolution of his painting and his relationship with the landscape. A vivid portrait of Monet emerges – a hard-working, stubborn and dedicated man.

Published in collaboration with the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, this volume encompasses over sixty works in dazzling color and detail, providing fresh insights and untold perspectives, retracing the steps that led to his status as a global cultural icon.

Exhibition details