


Claude Monet, the renowned French Impressionist painter, experienced significant vision problems later in his life, particularly due to cataracts. This condition had a notable impact on his art and style. Here are some ways in which his eyesight affected his work:
- Color Perception: Cataracts can cause colors to appear more yellow or brown. As Monet’s cataracts worsened, his paintings began to reflect this shift in color perception. His later works often had a more muted, yellowish tone compared to the vibrant colors of his earlier pieces.
- Blurred Vision: Cataracts can also cause blurred vision, which may have influenced Monet’s brushwork. His later paintings are characterized by more abstract and less detailed forms, with broader, more expressive brushstrokes. This shift can be seen in works like his “Water Lilies” series.
- Light Sensitivity: Monet’s sensitivity to light increased as his cataracts progressed. This may have led him to prefer working in softer, more diffused light conditions, which in turn affected the overall mood and lighting in his paintings.
- Composition: Some art historians suggest that Monet’s deteriorating vision led him to focus more on the overall composition and less on fine details. This resulted in a more impressionistic and less realistic style, emphasizing the play of light and color over precise representation.
- Emotional Impact: The frustration and emotional toll of losing his eyesight may have also influenced Monet’s work. His later paintings often convey a sense of introspection and emotional depth, reflecting his personal struggles.
Despite these challenges, Monet continued to paint and adapt his style, creating some of his most famous and influential works during this period. His ability to innovate and push the boundaries of art, even in the face of physical limitations, is a testament to his enduring legacy as a master of Impressionism.
