Detail of The Water-Lily Pond

In 1883 Monet moved to Giverny where he lived until his death. There, on the grounds of his property, he created a water garden'for the purpose of cultivating aquatic plants', over which he built an arched bridge in the Japanese style. In 1899, once the garden had matured, the painter undertook 17 views of the motif under differing light conditions. Surrounded by luxuriant foliage, the bridge is seen here from the pond itself, among an artful arrangement of reeds and willow leaves.