Claude Monet's "The Thames below Westminster" captures the atmospheric conditions of London in soft, hazy tones. This oil on canvas painting showcases the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, reflecting the diffused light and creating a serene, contemplative scene.

This oil on canvas painting by Claude Monet (1840-1926), the French Impressionist master, depicts the River Thames below Westminster. Executed in a muted palette, the work captures the atmospheric conditions of London, with the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben rendered in soft, hazy tones. The water reflects the diffused light, creating a shimmering effect. Several steamboats traverse the river, their forms softened by the mist. In the foreground, a wooden pier juts into the water, with figures visible on its structure. The composition emphasises the interplay of light and shadow, a hallmark of Monet's Impressionistic style. The overall effect is one of serene contemplation, evoking the transient beauty of the urban scene. Monet's series of paintings of London, created during his stays in the city between 1899 and 1901, demonstrate his interest in capturing the ephemeral qualities of light and atmosphere in an industrial environment. These works form a significant part of his oeuvre, showing his ability to adapt his Impressionistic techniques to new subjects.