Waterloo Bridge (Monet series)

The Waterloo Bridge series is a collection of approximately 41 oil paintings created by French Impressionist Claude Monet between 1900 and 1904. These paintings depict Waterloo Bridge in London, viewed from Monet's window at the Savoy Hotel. The series is characterized by Monet's exploration of light and atmosphere, particularly the effects of fog, mist, and sunlight on the bridge and the River Thames.

Monet began his work on the Waterloo Bridge series, along with his Charing Cross Bridge and Houses of Parliament series, during several visits to London in the late 1890s and early 1900s. He would often work on multiple canvases simultaneously, capturing the same scene under different weather conditions and at different times of day.

The paintings in the Waterloo Bridge series are noted for their vibrant colors and loose brushstrokes, characteristic of Monet's Impressionist style. He used layers of paint to create a sense of depth and to convey the atmospheric effects that he observed. The subjects, particularly the bridge itself, often appear hazy and indistinct, almost dissolving into the surrounding environment.

Monet considered the Waterloo Bridge series to be among his most important works. He spent a considerable amount of time refining them in his studio in Giverny after his return from London. Many of the paintings are now held in major museum collections around the world. The series represents a significant contribution to Impressionism and demonstrates Monet's dedication to capturing the fleeting and ever-changing effects of light and atmosphere in his art.