Claude Monet (1840–1926), French, Claude Monet was a French painter and a leading figure in the Impressionist movement. Known for his innovative approach to light and color, Monet captured fleeting moments in time through his depiction of landscapes, gardens, and natural settings. His works, such as 'Impression, Sunrise,' gave the movement its name and challenged the traditional methods of painting. His focus on light and atmosphere, often using rapid brushstrokes, revolutionized art and left a lasting impact on modern painting.