Claude Monet: Camille Monet on Her Deathbed

Discussion Questions

• What do you notice about this painting? What does the painting say about the artist’s attitude towards his subject?

• How does this image along with “Last Portrait of Mother” and “By the Death Bed” relate to your own experiences with death, personally or professionally? 

Reflections from #MedHumChat

“The border between the subject and her surroundings is blurred evoking a conception of death that includes reintegration”—@caitie_mo

“As beautiful as Monet's depiction is, it feels wistful, romantic whereas the third piece feels far more honest. Death, even when others are present, must happen alone. It is a lonely experience for the dying as well as those who grieve.”—@LReedsbooks

“The figure looks like she's surrounded lovingly by a shroud of feathers. Evokes heaven for me. And tenderness.”—@whole_patients

“I feel like I am looking at this subject through a veil. It's like there's some gossamer thing that keeps the viewer far away from the subject even though they are close by. It makes me think of fog and grief and memory. It's sad and lovely”—@DianaCejasMD

About this #MedHumChat

“Camille Monet on her deathbed” was paired with “By the Death Bed” by Edvard Munch and “Last Portrait of Mother” by Daphne Todd for a #MedHumChat discussion December 18, 2019 exploring Looking upon Death: Art at the Deathbed.

We were honored to be joined by special guest Dr. Margaret Chisolm (@whole_patients), Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at John Hopkins Medicine, who has a special interest in the role of art in medical education.

The pieces for this chat, along with the discussion questions, were selected by Kamna Balhara MD (@KamnaBalharaMD).

About the Artist

Oscar Claude Monet (1840-1926) was the founder and leader of French Impressionist style painting, whose work sought to capture the act of observing nature.