Claude Monet (1840–1926) was a French painter and one of the founders of the Impressionist movement, which emphasized capturing light, color, and atmosphere through loose, visible brushstrokes. His works often depicted natural scenes, such as gardens, water lilies, and landscapes, painted at different times of day and seasons to explore the effects of light. Famous works include Impression, Sunrise (which inspired the term "Impressionism"), Water Lilies, and Haystacks. Monet’s innovative style profoundly influenced modern art, and his legacy endures as a master of capturing the fleeting beauty of nature.
