Monet's Wheatstacks (Snow Effect, Morning)

Getty Conversations
How does this painting by Claude Monet achieve such simplicity and complexity at the
same time? Let’s take a closer look at the techniques Monet used to capture ephemeral
phenomena such as weather, atmosphere, and the effects of time’s passage.
Getty has joined forces with Smarthistory to bring you an in-depth look at select works
within our collection, whether you’re looking to learn more at home or want to make art
more accessible in your classroom. This six-part video series illuminates art history
concepts through fun, unscripted conversations between art historians, curators,
archaeologists, and artists, committed to a fresh take on the history of visual arts.
A conversation with Dr. Scott Allan, Associate Curator of Paintings, Getty Museum and Dr. Beth Harris, Executive Director, Smarthistory, in front of Wheatstacks (Snow Effect, Morning), 1891, Claude Monet. Oil on canvas, 64.8 x 100.3 cm. Getty Museum, Los Angeles

[@CoderatheGreat]

That's cool that you were able to do a video for an artwork at the Getty! I live in the area and see this painting quite a bit so seeing an analysis on it helps me appreciate it even more when I visit next time!

[@garygreenfield5969]

A terrifically engaging and educational discussion about Monet's theme, techniques, and sense of cultural values and history.

[@travischambray2453]

One of my all time favourite works of art. Through this painting I discovered the emphatic difference between viewing art in person and on a computer, the latter of which simply cannot compare. I've looked at this painting for hours in Edinburgh. Thanks for covering it.

[@Sasha0927]

This reminds me of what I heard in the Muybridge video, except with paint rather than photos. I so admire his devotion to this seemingly simple subjects and his process. I've never thought of wheat stacks so much, lol. The beauty of nature can do that to a person. He also succeeded at convincing me that impressionism isn't the stereotypical "slapdash" that Dr. Harris mentioned. If it weren't for videos like this, I'd look at these pieces and totally underestimate the craft of artists like Monet. I love it.

[@smarthistory-art-history]

So wonderful to hear.

[@Sasha0927]

It's wonderful to say. 🥰@@smarthistory-art-history

[@martinchamberlin3359]

There will never be an agreed upon definition of what "art" is, but somehow two wheat stacks covered in snow embody the idea so succinctly...simply marvelous!

[@KidIndia]

This is beautiful

[@wormmeal]

So many videos today, what a treat

[@christinahansen4686]

I just visited the Getty about two weeks ago, and this is one of my favorite paintings there. I love to spend an extended time in the room that house is the impressionist works.

[@yogi2436]

Thank you so much... wonderful! ... more please!

[@YeastCartography]

Probably my favorite painting ever, idek whh I just love it

[@user-nz4yd3iu4t]

멋찝니다~~

[@Steve-jz1ll]

Stunning work by a master and an informative review

[@thelyceumArts]

Wanna say! I’m a huge fan of The channel and would love a return to the baroque style analysis of sculptures! I really enjoyed those videos and would love to see more sculptures! Keep up the hard work I enjoy every video!

[@smarthistory-art-history]

There will indeed be more Baroque art, including sculpture. Happily there is a lot of art out there!

[@ArndTWS]

Thank you!

[@joeseeking3572]

I've always loved these and the series on both Rouen & the British Parliament. Fortunately I've been to a good dozen of the better US collections and so have seen many. But I'm almost not certain they benefit from commentary. The work stands on its own, or I've always thought so anyway. There's no symbolism that needs to be explained, no 'story' that wants telling: the pictures just speak...... (That said, my sensibilities are probably lacking - the late works at Giverny, when his eyesight was failing, end up feeling oversaturated, and I'm often not a fan, though I still think as a body of work, he stands above all the other worthy greats)