The Petite Creuse River

Claude Monet (French) 1889 Commenced by Claude Monet in April 1889, this canvas, one of a trio capturing the Petite Creuse, underwent a unique artistic evolution. After an initial start, Monet revisited the work later that spring, encountering a transformed landscape. The once bare oak tree, having burst forth with new leaves, now obstructed the original view he had meticulously crafted. Rather than altering the canvas to reflect the current season, Monet took a distinctive approach. Opting to preserve the initial atmosphere, he enlisted workers to strip the tree of its foliage, allowing him to authentically recreate its earlier appearance. Monet's immersive exploration of the remote Creuse valley in central France, initiated in early March 1889, unfolded over three months. Following a brief sojourn in February with art critic Gustave Geffroy, Monet, despite contending with bouts of ill health and inclement weather, produced a remarkable series of 24 canvases. This endeavor marked a