“The Dinner,” an exquisite artwork by the renowned artist Claude Monet, was crafted in 1869. This oil on canvas painting is a testament to the Impressionist movement, showcasing Monet’s pioneering style. Its dimensions measure 65.5 by 50.5 cm and it is considered a genre painting. Currently, the artwork has its home in the E.G. Bührle Foundation, located in Zürich, Switzerland.
The artwork depicts an intimate indoor scene centred around a dinner table illuminated by a hanging light, which casts a soft glow over the gathering. Several individuals, possibly a family or close acquaintances, appear to be engaged in a meal or a conversation. The brushwork radiates the characteristic looseness and vitality that Monet and his Impressionist contemporaries are known for, capturing the essence and atmosphere of the moment rather than minute details. The composition is balanced yet spontaneous, with the figures arranged in a manner that draws the viewer’s eye around the canvas. Monet’s use of light and shadow adds depth and realism to the scene, while the subdued palette suggests an evening setting. The artwork is not only a window into the social customs and fashions of the time but also a fine example of Monet’s early work before his full immersion into the Impressionist style.
