Here Monet plays with the illusory power of coloured vapour to dissolve the material world. This work appeared in 1877 at the third Impressionist exhibition, showcased with several other depictions of Monet’s radically modern motif: the atmospheric conditions of steam and smoke within the expansive train shed of the Gare Saint-Lazare.

In this group of paintings, Monet first experimented with the visual and expressive potential of the repetition of a single motif. Among the last of Monet’s paintings of Parisian subjects, the Gare Saint-Lazare pictures are some of his most innovative.

Inventory number: RF 2775 

Provenance:

From 1878 to 1894, in the Gustave Caillebotte collection, acquired from the artist on March 10, 1878 for 685 francs (inventory after death of March 8, 1894) 1896, accepted by the State following the bequest of Gustave Caillebotte to the Luxembourg Museum From 1896 to 1929, assigned to the Musée du Luxembourg, Paris (recovered by Léonce Bénédite from Martial Caillebotte in November 1896; entered the Musée du Luxembourg on March 23, 1896, left on January 30, 1929) From 1929 to 1947, Louvre Museum, Paris (from January 30, 1929) From 1947 to 1986, Louvre Museum, Jeu de Paume Gallery, Paris 1986, assigned to the Musée d'Orsay, Paris .