Claude Monet (1840–1926) transformed the story of art in the nineteenth century. Breaking with the established taste and traditions of the academy, he instead chose to focus on perception and the fugitive effects of atmosphere and light, and on subjects of modern everyday life. His artistic path took him from the spontaneous record of impressions to his ambitious series on the monumental Waterlilies. This introduction explores the memorable life and work of Monet. Following his journey from the beaches of Normandy and the banks of the River Thames in London to his iconic water garden in Giverny, it charts his stylistic development through his lifelong pursuit to capture the play of light, colour and time on canvas. This book is a reflection of an artist defined by his personal resilience and artistic daring, whose acute awareness of atmosphere and movement paved the way for the evolution of modern art and left a lasting impression that has endured into the twenty-first century.