Camille was the model for Claude Monet. As Monet painted her, he fell deeply in love, resulting in numerous paintings.
Camille with a small dog (1866)
At that time, Monet was not famous and was extremely poor. Unexpectedly, they had a child. Monet’s aunt and father disapproved of the relationship, and as Monet was financially dependent on them, he had to lie about breaking up with her. However, he continued to send her money secretly.
Jean Monet in the craddle (1867)
In 1867, their son Jean was born. Monet's furious father refused to meet Monet and Camille and eventually fell ill from the stress.
Meditation, Madame Monet sitting on a sofa (1871)
Camille monet at the window at Argentuile (1873)
Although Monet received some financial support from his aunt and father, this support ceased completely, leaving them in dire straits. Monet started borrowing money, which accumulated into a huge debt, as it often does, both then and now.
As their child grew and they got older, they had no choice but to get married. Three years after their first child was born, in 1870, they married. The wedding gifts were kept under Camille’s name to avoid Monet's creditors.
Fortunately (?), after his father passed away, the inheritance provided some financial relief. This period might have been the happiest time for Monet and his family. Renoir visited during this time, and Monet's garden, filled with flowers, reflected the beauty in Monet's heart.
Camille Monet in the garden (1873)
Camille monet and a child in the artist’s garden in Argentuile (1875)
Artist’s family in the garden (1875)
Gladioli (1876)
Just as life seemed to be improving, the Franco-Prussian War broke out. Living in Paris, Monet was subject to conscription. Not wanting to leave Camille and their child for the war, Monet pretended to care for his ailing father and headed to Le Havre. Despite their strained relationship, his father helped him flee to England to avoid the war. In October of that year, Camille and their son Jean joined him.
Camille in Japanese costume (1876)
However, Camille fell ill with cancer. Although Monet's paintings began to sell, most of the income went towards Camille's medical expenses. Despite her deteriorating health, they had a second child. In 1878, their second son, Michel, was born.
The promenade, Woman with a parasol (1875)
Raising a child is one of the most challenging tasks in the world. Doing so while battling cancer is unimaginable. Naturally, Camille's health worsened, and they moved to Vertheuil. Camille Monet passed away in 1879 at the young age of 32, never having experienced a moment of ease.
Camille Monet on her deathbed (1879)
Witnessing his wife's death, Monet painted. He had painted all his life and had no other way to express his grief. Holding the brush was his only outlet for sorrow. Perhaps this is why the painting capturing her final moments seems to show tears flowing as light.
Updated in 2024.06.12
