The Water-Lily Pond (Water Lily Pond), circa 1917-19

With no horizon or banks visible, the water surface fills the entire view.

A vast, immersive landscape where only the pond, reflecting the sky like a mirror, and clusters of water lilies floating upon it, extend.

Yet, at the time this painting was created, the painter Monet was plunged into the depths of despair, both physically and mentally.

He had successively lost his beloved wife Alice and eldest son Jean, and furthermore, his eyesight, which was his lifeblood as a painter, was gradually being stolen by cataracts.

In addition, the era was in the midst of World War I. His remaining son was sent to the fierce battlefields, and the shadow of the brutal war was encroaching upon everyday life.

As if to escape the successive tragedies and the fear of losing his sight, he secluded himself in a huge studio he had newly built in his garden, and tirelessly continued to paint the water surface, working towards the concept of the 'Grandes Décorations' which would later be donated to the nation.

This pond, which he painted amidst the deepest suffering, far from being dark and somber, has thick layers of paint madly applied one over another onto the dry canvas, creating surprisingly powerful and rich colors and surface textures.

Perhaps what saved him from the depths of despair and kept the brush in his hand was the unassuming beauty of this water surface, reflecting light and shining brightly even amidst the turbulent times.