From 1914 to 1918, while his son was serving in the French military during WWI, Claude Monet was painting lilies. Being too old to serve himself, the object of his art and the solace he enjoyed, were the lilies in his home pond in Giverny, France. His largest painting of the lilies, Grandes Décoration, he donated to his friend the French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau. It was given on November 12, 1918, the day after the armistice. Today the lilies are on display at the Musée de L’Orangerie; a symbol and experience of peace for all who view them. Monet’s Solace is a nod to the subject that Monet chose to paint while feeling the pain of a world at war. Using modern materials such as collage, acrylics, and molding paste, as well as oils to bring the work to a vibrant finish, viewers can again view and experience the peace that a simple pond of water lilies can offer, while subconsciously remembering the sacrifices that have been, and continue to be, made to secure this precious peace.
 
 
Mixed Media and Oil on Canvas
24x36
1.5 inch Canvas 
Textured elements
Painted in 2026
Varnished
Signed
Ready to Hang