Water Lilies in Giverny, Blanche Hoschede Monet

This painting by Blanche Hoschedé was done in Giverny. It reminds one of Claude

Monet’s famous painting of 1887: “En norvegienne, ou La barque à Giverny” that is

hanging in the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, wherein Blanche, Suzanne and Germaine are in a

rowboat on the river in Giverny. Monet took this rowboat on many picnics and

excursions around the Epte River.

In this painting, this very same rowboat of Monet is resting on the left bank of the river,

almost as if the three sisters have just stepped off the boat for Blanche to set up her easel

to depict this view. The trees curve into the center from the left, creating a subdued yet

classically Impressionist scene. The frame of poplars in the distance is reflected in the

water. The water lilies are floating and glistening on the right side of the foreground. This

painting is a peaceful meditation on the trees, the water, and, most significantly, the water

lilies of Giverny.