Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies - Claude Monet - Socks

For the last 30 years of his life, Claude Monet looked no further than his own backyard for inspiration, creating a series of approximately 250 oil paintings. Painted in 1899, Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies represents two of his greatest achievements: his gardens at Giverny and the series of paintings they inspired.

Lush and verdant, the predominant use of cool blue and green tones in the tranquil scene are balanced by a complex pattern of delicately hued pink, white, and yellow lilies floating across the surface.

In all, there are 17 paintings depicting the Japanese-style bridge that Monet built over his pond. The structure can be seen in various lighting and weather conditions.

Claude Monet (born November 14, 1840, Paris, France—died December 5, 1926, Giverny) was a French painter who was the initiator, leader, and unswerving advocate of the Impressionist style. In his mature works, Monet developed his method of producing repeated studies of the same motif in series, changing canvases with the light or as his interest shifted.

His popularity soared in the second half of the 20th century, when his works traveled the world in museum exhibitions that attracted record-breaking crowds.