Claude Monet’s In the Norwegian, France, circa 1887 and Haystacks, End of Summer, France, 1891

The rate of change accelerated everywhere at the end of the 19th century, and viewers can chart the many ways in which the Industrial Revolution transformed the world forever through the paintings loaned by the Musée d’Orsay. Claude Monet’s In the Norwegian and Haystacks, End of Summer show not just his ability to capture the light and atmosphere of a moment (mirroring our own current social media habits), but also show subtle changes in his brushstroke. Between 1890 and 1891, the artist embarked on a series of approximately 25 paintings with the haystacks as his sole subject.