\paperw19995 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 The series of paintings of Rouen Cathedral dates from the period in which Monet devoted himself to the representation of a s
ingle subject, but at different seasons and times of day and under ever-changing conditions of weather and lighting.\par
The facade of the cathedral is an example of richly adorned Gothic architecture, with three deeply splayed portals and a tower on ea
ch side. However, Monet makes no attempt at a faithful reproduction of the architecture, simply seeing it as a basis for his research.\par
In fact the artistÆs brushwork breaks down the forms and the solidity of the marble into a kaleidoscope of light
and color.\par
The intricate tracing of the pinnacles becomes a single molten and fluid pattern.\par
The angle from which the cathedral is observed changes imperceptibly in the series, so that each picture presents a slightly different view.\par
\i Ha
rmony in Blue\i0 shows us the building on a long and tedious rainy day, steeped in gray and gloom.\par
\i Harmony in Blue and Gold\i0 , on the contrary, is the view of a warm and sunny summerÆs day, on which the sunlight floods the architecture with su
ch energy that it creates deep contrasts of light and shade.\par
\i Harmony in White\i0 transports us into the midst of a hard winter, on a frozen morning in which the dazzling white of the snow is reflected off all the forms, making the cathedral look
