The Vision of Claude Monet

When seeing the remarkable paintings of the great artist Claude Monet it’s easy to see why he has left an indelible mark on the Impressionist movement and the world. Who would ever have thought that this outstanding artist had serious problems with his vision? The truth is he suffered from nearsightedness and distressing changes in his perception of color due to cataracts. Cataracts are a clouding and/or yellowing of the clear lens of the eye. Cataracts can be caused by age but there is data to suggest that UV light exposure may be a factor . Monet an outdoor painter, suffered from severe yellowing in his lenses in his later years. In 1922 Monet’s ophthalmologist, Charles Coutela recorded a visual acuity of PL (light perception only) in Monet’s right eye and a 6/60 on his left eye and recommended he undergo cataract surgery. In 1923, Monet had the lens of his right eye removed. The lens of the eye focuses light, with the removal of the yellowed cataract lens, Monet’s perception of light in his right eye was altered and this is reflected in later works. Afterwards, Monet sought assistance from ophthalmologist Jacques Mawas who dispensed a pair of glass lenses created by ZEISS. These lenses were called Katral, though Monet referred to them as “Mawas”, declaring them “perfect”. With the new lenses Monet was finally able to see what his paintings really looked like – and he was disappointed by the dull colors he now perceived. He immediately started painting over many of his completed pictures with brighter colors – even his marvelous water lily paintings, whose freshness and clarity still enchant us to this very day.

In the vision of Claude Monet – an interview with author Aileen Bordman. Author and filmmaker, Aileen, shares her inspiration for her new book, “Everyday Monet”, which describes the lifestyle of Monet and his personal voyage that helped shape his art. Aileen’s subsequent videos reveal how ZEISS and ZEISS lenses made an impact in Monet’s quality of life, art, and how his story might have turned out differently with the latest ZEISS UVProtect technology.