Claude Monet Le Pont de Vervy (The Bridge of Vervy), 1894 is a muted and serene scene of a bridge and a few houses by the River Creuse. This work comes from a portfolio of 20 lithographs that Monet modeled after his various paintings with the collaboration of G.W. Thornley. The lithograph is composed of shades of green and gray, creating a mesmerizing visual effect-as if we are looking at this scene through light fog. This dissolution of form is what Monet was most renowned for.  The landscape of this scene was found in Massif Central, a region in southern France. In describing the scene, Wildenstein writes “the colours of the River Creuse were changing all the time: green in normal weather, it became yellow when in spate (Wildenstein, 251).” The scene was constantly changing, a dynamic force of light and shadow. Wildenstein explains “whenever a little sun broke through, Monet would hasten out to paint the sunset over the village at La Roche-Blonde, not far from Fresselines.  The next day, he returned to his paintings in brighter weather (Wildenstein, 251).” In viewing this print, we cannot help but imagine the master painter dedicating night and day to capture this bucolic scene perfectly.

Created in 1894 after an original painting of the same title created in 1888, this color lithograph on chine appliqué on wove paper is hand-signed by Claude Monet (Paris, 1840 - Giverny, 1926) in pencil in the lower left margin; also hand-signed by the engraver G. W. Thornley in pencil in the lower right margin; from an edition of 25 hand-signed proofs by both Claude Monet (Paris,1840 - Giverny, 1926) and G.W. Thornley; printed by Belfond & Cie and published by J. Mancini, Paris.

CATALOGUE RAISONNÉ & COA:

Claude Monet The Bridge of Vervy (Le Pont de Vervy), 1894 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the final sale of the work):

1.Ganz, James et. al. The Unknown Monet: Pastels and Drawings. Williamstown: Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, 2007. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. A16.

2. Wildenstein, Daniel, Monet Catalogue Raisonné, 1996, Vol III the original painting is documented as catalogue raisonné no. 1234.

3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

ABOUT THE FRAMING:

Claude Monet The Bridge of Vervy (Le Pont de Vervy), 1894 is framed to museum-grade conservation standards, this work is presented in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical-grade Plexiglas.