Monet a Bordighera
In 1884, Claude Monet, father of Impressionism, spent a period in Bordighera, in the Western Ligurian Riviera. His visit, between January and April, was a deeply inspiring experience that gave birth to some of the most fascinating works of his career. Drawn by the southern light and the vivid colors of the landscape, Monet found in Bordighera an inexhaustible source of wonder. "Everything is wonderful, and every day the countryside is more beautiful, and I am enchanted by this place," he wrote to his Parisian art dealer Durand-Ruel.
Monet stayed at the Pension Anglaise and worked "en plein air," capturing on canvas the endless shades of blue in the sea and sky, the lush green of the vegetation, and the bright colors of citrus fruits. Particularly struck by the Moreno Garden, he described it as "fantasmagorical," a unique place where "all the plants of the universe seem to grow spontaneously."
During his stay, Monet explored Via Romana, the Old Town as seen from the Torre dei Mostaccini, and the Vallone del Sasso, venturing into the inland areas. The landscapes of Bordighera fascinated him, inspiring him to depict the beauty of the place with unparalleled mastery. Despite great satisfaction with his work, like every great artist, Monet was constantly driven by the desire to perfect his vision. His words reflect this spirit: "I would like to paint oranges and lemons standing out against the blue sea, but I cannot find them as I wish."
In just 79 days, Monet created over fifty paintings, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Impressionism and a special connection with Bordighera. Today, the city honors the great master by dedicating to him gardens that evoke the atmosphere of the now-lost Moreno Garden.
