Grainstack (Snow Effect)

Grainstack (Snow Effect) is among the approximately thirty canvases Monet devoted to the haystacks and grainstacks in a field near Giverny, a series he exhibited in May 1891 at Durand-Ruel's gallery in Paris to enormous critical and commercial success. The snow effect subject required Monet to work in winter conditions, and he pursued the stacks through all seasons and weather types to demonstrate that the subject itself was secondary to the study of light and atmosphere. The snow variant records the distinctive way winter light transforms the same forms he had painted under summer sun and autumn mist.

The stack under snow exploits the reflective quality of the white ground, which carries blue, purple, and pink reflections from the winter sky and shadows. The stack itself is modelled in warm oranges and ochres that vibrate against the cool ground. Monet's divisionist touch separates warm and cool colour notes across the entire surface.