Five Little-Known Facts About Claude Monet on His Centenary
As the art community gears up for the 100th anniversary of Claude Monet's passing in 2026, Beaux Arts magazine reveals five intriguing yet lesser-known details about the Impressionist painter. Born in Paris in 1840 and raised in Le Havre, Monet never completed his baccalauréat, opting instead to concentrate on caricatures. Despite lacking formal education, he was an avid reader, evidenced by his library in Giverny. In 1868, financial difficulties led him to a suicide attempt, but he was rescued by his friend Frédéric Bazille. While creating the Rouen Cathedral series in 1892, he struggled with anxiety and nightmares. Monet passed away on December 5, 1926, in Giverny. The centenary will include exhibitions such as 'Monet au Havre' (June 5–September 27, 2026) and 'Monet, peindre le temps' (September 30, 2026–January 25, 2027).
Key facts
- Claude Monet was born in Paris in 1840 and grew up in Le Havre.
- Monet never obtained his baccalauréat.
- In 1868, Monet attempted suicide by jumping into the Seine.
- Monet suffered from nightmares while painting the Rouen Cathedral series in 1892.
- Monet ate grilled andouillette and drank white wine for breakfast.
- Monet died on December 5, 1926, at Giverny.
- Monet never saw his Nymphéas installed at the Musée de l'Orangerie.
- Georges Clemenceau insisted on a floral-patterned cloth for Monet's coffin.
- Exhibitions in 2026 include 'Monet au Havre' at MuMa, 'Claude Monet. Des jardins en héritage' at Les Franciscaines, and 'Monet, peindre le temps' at the Musée de l'Orangerie.
Entities
Artists
- Claude Monet
- Frédéric Bazille
- Camille Doncieux
- Jean Monet
- Émile Zola
- Sacha Guitry
Institutions
- Beaux Arts
- Musée de l'Orangerie
- MuMa - Le Havre
- Les Franciscaines
- National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
- Fondation Claude Monet, Giverny
- Normandie Impressionniste
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Le Havre
- Giverny
- Normandy
- Rouen
- Deauville
- Washington D.C.
- United States