when was monet born
Claude MonetClaude Monet was an Impressionist master known for his Water Lilies series. Discover the beauty of his light-filled landscapes today.
Claude Monet was born on November 14, 1840. While some records simply note the year 1840, historical details confirm his specific birth date as the 14th of November. He was the second son of Claude Adolphe Monet and Louise-Justine Aubrée Monet, born into a family of Parisians.
His life began in the mid-19th century, a time of great artistic shift. He was baptized as Oscar-Claude in the local Notre-Dame-de-Lorette church on May 20, 1841. Though raised in a Catholic household, he eventually embraced atheism as he matured into the master of light we know today.
His journey from a young boy in the 1840s to a revolutionary painter was marked by several key milestones:
- Birth Date: November 14, 1840
- Baptism: May 20, 1841
- Death: December 5, 1926
where was monet born
Monet was born in Paris, France, specifically on the fifth floor of 45 rue Laffitte in the 9th arrondissement. Although his roots were in the city, his family moved to Le Havre, Normandy, when he was just five years old, which deeply influenced his love for nature.
His childhood in Normandy was a tug-of-war between commerce and creativity. His father, a wholesale merchant, hoped Claude would join the family's ship-chandling and grocery business. However, the boy's eyes were always wandering toward the horizon and the sketches he made of the outdoors.
The landscape of his youth provided a stark contrast to his later Parisian life:
- Birthplace: 45 rue Laffitte, Paris, France
- Childhood Home: Le Havre, Normandy
- Later Residence: Hôtel du Nouveau Monde, Place du Havre
who influenced monet's art
Eugène Louis BoudinEugène Boudin (1824-1898): Pioneer of plein air painting & key influence on Impressionism. Discover his atmospheric seascapes, beach scenes & masterful light studies!
Monet was profoundly influenced by Eugène Boudin, who introduced him to the essential practice of en plein air painting. This method of capturing scenes directly from nature allowed him to study the fleeting effects of light, a pursuit that would define his entire legendary career.
His artistic development was further shaped by formal studies and significant personal connections. He studied at the Académie Suisse and under Charles Gleyre, where he met fellow artists like Auguste Renoir. These friendships were forged in a shared desire to break away from the rigid, dark constraints of the traditional Salon.
Several key figures and experiences helped shape his unique vision:
- Eugène Boudin: Taught him to paint outdoors in the elements.
- Charles Gleyre: His teacher in Paris who introduced him to Renoir.
- J.M.W. Turner: Influenced his understanding of mist and light during his time in London.
- His Mother: Louise-Justine Aubrée Monet, who supported his artistic ambitions.
Frequently asked questions
When was Claude Monet born?
Claude Monet was born on November 14, 1840.
Where was Claude Monet born?
He was born on the fifth floor of 45 rue Laffitte in Paris.
Where did Claude Monet move as a child?
He moved to Le Havre, Normandy, when he was five years old.
Who introduced Claude Monet to plein air painting?
Eugène Boudin introduced him to plein air painting.
Learn more
- 1840 – 1926Claude MonetRead about a life shaped by light and water.
- 1840 – 1926Claude Monet — timeline of worksView a timeline of his works from his early years to his legacy.
- 1840 – 1926Claude Monet — chronicleFollow the artist's life through a historical chronicle.
