Stacks of Wheat (End of Summer) by Claude Monet

Stacks of Wheat (End of Summer)

Claude Monet · 1891

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“Stop and observe how light transforms a simple subject. This painting is one of a series where Monet captured the same stacks of wheat at different times of day and in various seasons, making you see the passage of time through color.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This painting, "Stacks of Wheat (End of Summer)", captures the fleeting light of a late afternoon. The monumental stack of wheat, a common sight in the French countryside after harvest, dominates the canvas, its rough texture suggested by thick, energetic brushstrokes. The low sun casts long shadows, painting the stack in warm golds and oranges on one side, while the other falls into cool, deep blues and purples. The sky, a vibrant blend of yellow and pink, reflects the day's last light, suggesting the transition from summer into autumn. This work is part of a series where the artist explored how light and atmosphere transform the same subject at different times of day and across seasons, inviting viewers to truly observe the subtle shifts in nature.

DETAILS
Artist
Claude Monet
Date
1891
Medium
Oil on canvas
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
ART MOVEMENTS
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Stacks of Wheat (End of Summer)
01

Observe the rough, textured brushstrokes that build the wheat stack.

02

Notice the long, cool blue shadow stretching from the stack.

03

See the pink and yellow hues in the sky, reflecting the setting sun.

04

Look for the distinct color variations on the stack itself, from warm to cool.

AUDIO DEEP DIVE

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The full narration walks you through Stacks of Wheat (End of Summer) — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.

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THE ARTIST

Claude Monet

1840–1926 · France

Claude Monet, the visionary founder of Impressionism, transformed how we see light and nature, famously capturing the same scene repeatedly to reveal fleeting moments.

Read Monet’s full story
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