Harmon Siegel, a Junior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows, will be presenting his book "Painting with Monet" at an upcoming event on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 5:00 pm. The event, which will take place at 5015 Connecticut Ave NW in Washington, DC, promises to be an engaging and enlightening exploration of Monet's artistic process and the impressionist movement. In his book, Siegel closely examines pairs of paintings created by Monet alongside his fellow artists, such as Eugène Boudin, Johan Barthold Jongkind, Frédéric Bazille, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Édouard Manet. By focusing on these collaborative painting sessions, Siegel raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of impressionist painting and its relationship to reality. Is impressionism an objective attempt to capture the world as it truly is, or is it a subjective expression of the artist's unique perspective? How can a movement like impressionism maintain individuality while promoting a shared aesthetic? Siegel's insights into the aesthetic, philosophical, and ethical considerations that shaped impressionist painting are sure to captivate attendees. The event will feature a conversation between Siegel and Mary Morton, the Curator and Head of the Department of French Paintings at the National Gallery of Art. Morton, who has a PhD in the history of art and architecture from Brown University and extensive experience in the field, will undoubtedly bring her own unique perspective to the discussion. With its focus on the collaborative nature of impressionist painting and its exploration of the movement's relationship to reality, "Painting with Monet" promises to shed new light on a pivotal moment in art history. The event is free and open to the public, with first-come, first-served seating. Art enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in the impressionist movement or the creative process are encouraged to attend this unique opportunity to engage with Harmon Siegel and Mary Morton's insights into Monet's artistic practice and the impressionist movement.