In 1870 Claude Monet became a family man and married his Mistress Camille. In 1871 he moved to Argenteuil, a popular place for a weekend jaunt with Parisians: And renowned for its international Sailing Regattas. This picturesque tourist town just outside Paris along the River Seine became the subject of Monet’s work for many years. This is a quality reproduction of an original created by Monet in 1875. The original Unloading Charcoal remains part of a private collection which means its image is not so widely available. Therefore, if you are looking for one of Monet’s more unfamiliar art works this would certainly be an apt choice.

This original oil painting was created one year after the first Impressionist exhibition: In which Monet’s Impression Sunrise was displayed and that gave way to the group’s name: The Impressionists. The oil paintings Monet produced in Argenteuil map the development of early Impressionism. During his eight years living in the town Monet produced almost one hundred and seventy paintings depicting family and friends as well as different scenes around the town - Unloading Coal reveals a different side of this place: Outside the Regattas and the finery.

Toward the end of his life Monet became more and more focused upon the effect of the environment, the landscape upon the viewer. Of all the art works produced in Argenteuil this one suggests a change in focus at its earliest point of development.