Japonisme

Before 1853, Japan practiced strict isolationism, keeping Japanese art and culture within the country’s borders. However, when Commodore Matthew Perry forced the Japanese to open up their country to trade by threatening military intervention, this period of isolation came to an end. Western countries were thus introduced to Japanese art and culture, and an artistic exchange flourished. One of the most appreciated items, especially by French artists, were the woodcut prints by masters of the ukiyo-e school. These woodblock prints “emphasized the supremacy of nature and the fleeting character of the moment." Monet collected many of these pieces. Observing these prints, and other examples of Japanese art, Monet adopted some of their elements into his own work, including Garden at Sainte-Adresse.