1840

v

Born 14 November in Paris, father a shopkeeper.

1845

v

Father's business struggles. Moves to join wife's brother in business in Le Havre on Normandy coast.

1855

v

Monet starts to sell caricatures of local personalities

1856

v

Starts to receive drawing lessons (from Ochard), meets Boudin

1857

v

Death of mother on January 28th. His Aunt, Marie-Jeanne Lecadre, a supporter of Monet's artistic ambitions, takes on his mother's role.

1858

v

Works together with Boudin on coast - Boudin advocates benefits of en plein aire work. Exhibits first work in Le Havre ("View of Rouelles"). Uncle dies on September 30th; Aunt devotes herself further to Monet.

1859

v

Partly against parents' wishes, but supported by Aunt, leaves for Paris to study painting.

v

Meets Pissarro at 'Academie Suisse'; meets Courbet.