Woman with a Parasol

Claude Monet (1840-1926): Woman with a Parasol, 1875 (Oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Washington DC.) - One of Monet's most popular figure paintings, Lady with a Parasol showcases the parasol, one of his longstanding themes... The parasol itself makes many appearances in his work, primarily because when painting from real life outdoors, most women would use one to protect their skin and eyes... But it also creates a contrast of light and shadows on the figure's face and clothing, indicating which direction the actual light is coming from...