Claude Monet painted this scene in one sitting while looking out a window at the harbor in his hometown of Le Harve in northern France. This seems a very humble story for a piece of such great import in the history of art.

Monet captured this view of the sunrise by painting beyond traditional techniques and accepted perspectives. His hazy rendition, a poem of light and air, leaves out many details and adds many others. This fluid, pastel scene calls us to wonder where the sky ends and the water begins.  It calls us to wonder how the beginning of an ordinary day could be so extraordinary in color and line. It calls us to wonder how we might see the world in this artful way.

This piece was harshly derided by many for its innovative style. Monet named it impression in an attempt to defend against this criticism. “It was just his impression of the harbor.” Little did he know that his Impression, Sunrise would start the movement of Impressionism that now fills museums and auction houses around the world.

With a moment and a brush, Monet followed the spirit to show us what we all might see. How could God not have been there? 

As you look into the beauty of this dawn, may you feel God’s presence with you also. Thanks be to God.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church