Snow Scene at Argenteuil

Monet spent most of the 1870s in the town of Argenteuil, which is on the Seine just to the north-west of Paris. During this period, leisure activities such as boating made the town increasingly popular with day-trippers from the capital. The exceptionally snowy winter of 1874–1875 inspired Monet to paint 18 views of Argenteuil under the snow. Many of them, like this work, focus on the Boulevard Saint-Denis where Monet was living.

The scene shows the boulevard running towards the Seine, looking away from the railway station. It is a relatively large work that sacrifices details in favor of atmosphere. Its predominantly monochrome palette of blues and greys conveys to perfection the bleakness of an overcast winter's afternoon.

P.S. Argenteuil is a beautiful place. Also in autumn.