INDEX
Chapter 3: The Path to the Grand Decorations – Surrounded by the Large-Scale Water Lilies
Chapter 3 features the highlight of the exhibition: an oval-shaped space reminiscent of the Musée de l’Orangerie. Eight large “Water Lilies” works, each over 2 meters wide and created during the production of the “Grande Décoration” project, surround the viewer in this immersive setting. The image is an official, crowd-free photo, but in reality, this exhibition room was filled with visitors, as it was the only area where photography was allowed. While the experience leaned more toward connecting with fellow Monet enthusiasts than focusing solely on the artworks themselves, it was still an enriching experience. It’s worth taking the time to find moments to step back, maintain some distance from the pieces, and truly enjoy the artworks, as these “Water Lilies” are impressively large.
The water lilies on display here were painted after 1914, and they show a wide range of variations. While the compositions may appear similar, the mood of each piece shifts dramatically depending on the time of day and the weather. Monet had expressed in 1908, “I’ve become captivated by water and its reflected landscapes. It’s a heavy burden for my aging body, but I still long to capture what I feel.” And even after all these years, it’s evident that his obsession with the water lilies never faded. In fact, his deep fascination is so evident that viewers may find themselves bewildered, realizing that Monet had, in no way, grown tired of painting the lilies.
Since it was hard to step back, I decided to try capturing the image from a closer perspective. The short red lines, subtly connected, hint at the contours and shading of the slightly lifted leaves. Now, which piece of the four shown above does this section belong to?
