Claude Monet

By Philippe Piguet
ART Collection

With Monet, Cercle d’Art continues its acclaimed ART collection, designed for a wide audience while maintaining the highest editorial standards. Dedicated to one of the leading figures of Impressionism, this reference volume offers a captivating journey through the life and work of the creator of the celebrated Water Lilies.
Combining refined design, exceptional illustrations, high-quality production and insightful analysis, this monograph accompanies the centenary of Claude Monet’s death (1840–1926) and provides an ideal opportunity to rediscover the master of light.

Philippe Piguet: Art Historian and Monet Descendant

This richly illustrated monograph traces Claude Monet’s life through his artistic development, following a carefully structured chronological approach. Each stage of his creative journey is explored within its historical and personal context: the studio, his travels, family life and the great series that shaped his legacy.
From his earliest paintings to the iconic Water Lilies, from the banks of the Seine to the famous Japanese bridge at Giverny, from the luminous landscapes of Normandy to the reflections of his garden, every page celebrates the bold vision of a pioneer who transformed the practice of painting outdoors.
Philippe Piguet, Monet’s great-great-grandson, brings a uniquely intimate and authoritative perspective to this work. Having spent part of his childhood in the gardens of Giverny, at the very heart of Monet’s world, he draws upon personal memories, family archives and extensive research to illuminate the artist’s life and creative process.
An art historian, critic and exhibition curator, Philippe Piguet is recognised as one of the leading specialists of his generation. As a direct descendant of Claude Monet, he combines scholarly rigour with personal insight, offering a fresh perspective on the painter’s enduring legacy.

Monet and the Centenary of 2026

The year 2026 marks the centenary of Claude Monet’s death and will be celebrated through a major cultural programme across France, from Giverny to Le Havre, including the renowned Normandy Impressionist Festival dedicated to Monet’s garden and artistic universe.
In this context, Monet stands as an essential volume for understanding how the artist revolutionised the perception of light and helped shape the course of modern painting. Through masterpieces, archival documents and expert commentary, this book offers readers an engaging introduction to one of the most influential artists in the history of art