Breakup of Ice

Breakup of Ice (also known as The Breakup of the Ice or La Débâcle, 1880) by Claude Monet depicts the thawing of the Seine River at Vétheuil during early spring. The painting captures large chunks of ice drifting on the river’s surface as they break apart, with the town's distant buildings and trees visible through the cold, muted light. Monet’s energetic brushstrokes convey the movement of the water and the jagged texture of the ice floes. The color palette is dominated by cool blues, whites, and grays, effectively illustrating the chill of the scene while contrasting against hints of earth tones in the background. This work emphasizes Monet’s focus on the natural world’s transient moments, showcasing his ability to depict atmosphere and seasonal change with precision and emotion.