Monet and the Seine: Impressions of a River examines Claude Monet's abiding fascination with the Seine by tracing his life along the iconic French waterway, both chronologically and geographically. Monet (1840–1926) used the river from an early point in his career to explore many of the artistic concerns that define his oeuvre, such as the transformative effects of light and atmosphere.

This beautiful exhibition brings together more than 50 paintings on loan from locations around the world. Beginning with scenes of leisure activities, modern life and cityscapes along the Seine, the presentation culminates in the ethereal works from the Impressionist painter's famous Mornings on the Seine series. The canvases provide an intimate look at the Seine, a subject essential to Monet's identity as an artist. The celebrated river captivated Monet more than any other theme, inspiring a vast number of paintings and surpassing even his defining series of water lilies by more than 100 works.

On view through Feb. 1, 2015.