From 1918 until 1919 Claude Monet created ten oil paintings in his Weeping Willow series. This is a hand painted reproduction of an original in the series which is now owned and on display at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Weeping Willow series is regarded as the artist’s response to the tragedies and sorrows of World War I. Monet remained in his beloved Giverney home while the German’s advanced toward Paris; for the part, alone bar a few staff – His only son had been called up and was in service at the front-line; so these were sad times for Monet.

The cascading branches of the Weeping Willow are symbolic of tears and sorrow: Loss and death. In Western Europe Willow trees are traditionally planted in graveyards. During the middle ages the weeping branches of the willow tree were placed inside coffins to keep evil spirits at bay: To which it is noted the Willow is not associated with evil.

The cool colors of the Weeping Willow highlight the twisted forms. Overall, the painting holds a certain air of sorrow although not morose. One of Monet’s last series of works this painting reflects the sway toward a more expressionistic style: Unquestionably, one of Claude Monet’s most personal and private art works.