Seine at Vetheuil

Seine at Vétheuil (1879) by Claude Monet depicts a serene view of the Seine River near the village of Vétheuil, where Monet lived for a period. The painting captures the gentle flow of the river, its surface reflecting the light and shadows of the surrounding landscape and sky. Monet’s use of soft, layered brushstrokes creates a textured effect that evokes the rippling water and the lush greenery along the riverbanks. The palette consists of cool tones—blues, greens, and grays—enhancing the atmospheric and tranquil mood of the scene. The sky, filled with clouds, casts a diffused light over the landscape, and the distant horizon is softly blurred, emphasizing Monet's focus on the fleeting qualities of light and atmosphere. The composition draws the viewer’s eye across the expanse of the river, inviting a contemplative gaze, which is characteristic of Monet’s Impressionist approach to capturing natural beauty.