Water Lilies and Carmella on Japanese Bridge

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Content and Criticism
Water Lilies and Carmella on Japanese Bridge is a painting by Impressionist painter Claude Monet. In1883, Monet moved to Giverny with his family. In the years that followed, Monet finally found commercial success. His fortune growing, Monet was able to hire seven gardeners and devote his time to painting. Monet was exceptionally fond of painting controlled nature. His gardens with its water lilies, pond, and bridge became favorite subjects that he depicted in varying light, and weather conditions.

As with his Haystacks series, Monet painted this Japanese bridge many times to capture different points of view and at different times of the day. Water Lilies and Carmella on Japanese Bridge is the only time he included his lovely brown dog Carmella -- even though the bridge was her favorite basking spot. She often lay there watching the fish nuzzling the lily pads below and she enjoyed barking at frogs.

Monet with Carmella and their gardens at Giverny 

Some scholars say Monet named his dog Carmella after his beloved first wife Camille. Certainly Carmella cheered Monet. The ever-faithful hound was always at his side while he painted - except when distracted by varmints. She can be seen in other works of Monet, including one in the haystack series.

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