One of six paintings by the famous French Impressionist Claude Monet that are housed in the Columbus Museum of Art, Weeping Willow has special historical resonance. Apparently the artist signed it on the day of the Armistice, which marked the official end to the First World War. Many scholars have interpreted the painting's subject and style as a symbolic "veil of tears." Indeed, Monet initially offered the painting to the French state to commemorate the victory which had come with a tremendous loss of life.

French, 1918, Oil on canvas, 51 5/8 x 43 7/16 in.
Gift of Howard D. and Babette L. Sirak, the Donors to the Campaign for Enduring Excellence, and the Derby Fund
 
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