This oil painting is an accurate and sensitive reproduction of Monet’s Houses of Parliament produced around 1900-1903. The original was created during Monet’s five year tour of famous European landmarks and landscapes from 1883 until 1908. While visiting London Monet created a series of paintings of the Houses of Parliament: As well as several other scenes along the Thames: All from the same viewpoint; although at different times of the day and in varying weather conditions.

Unlike his earlier works by 1901 Monet had moved away from plein air painting. By now, Monet did not consider completing the work in situ as essential to the finished work. After returning to his home in Giverney the artist continued to develop the scene painting from photographs and memory. This caused somewhat of a stir in the Parisian art circles but was rebuffed by Monet – For him, how he painted his art works was his own business and he was more than happy to leave the ultimate judgment to the viewer.

The Houses of Parliament by Monet is not concerned with detail. The composition concentrates upon the effect of the contrasts and transitions in the subtle shifts of blue and pink hues – The dispersal of light on a foggy day. Subtle and sweeping The Houses of Parliament would create a captivating focal point within any room.