Woman with a Parasol - Madame Monet and Her Son

Monet painted his wife Camille and son Jean in a single outdoor session. Different paint densities and exposed canvas retain evidence of rapid work. The figures appear together with the surrounding wind and light. A family portrait also becomes a study of changing weather.

A green parasol tilts against the sky. Its shade covers Camille's face while light remains along the silhouette's edges.

Camille stands above the painter's viewpoint. The low angle increases the area of sky around her.

Jean appears behind the slope. Grass hides part of his body, marking a farther level of ground.

The white skirt catches bright light. Colored shadows and separate quick strokes remain visible in its folds.

A dark shadow stretches through the grass. It connects the figure with the ground and indicates the sunlight's direction.

Monet often finished and revised paintings in the studio, but the museum associates this work with one outdoor session. Its speed therefore has a specific basis, visible in varying paint thickness and exposed canvas.