By 1914, the tumultuous battles that marked the birth of the rebellious group of Impressionist artists had long since faded into history, and the young rebels who had provoked them—those who had not yet departed this world—had become the gray-bearded patriarchs of French painting. Claude Monet, 73, had settled in Giverny, where he had created his own personal paradise with man-made ponds and selectively cultivated lilies. French newspapers informed readers that the celebrated master had retired. And yet, the newspapers were quick to write Monet off. Despite personal and global upheavals, despite ill health, self-doubt, and his advanced age, the artist embarked on the most ambitious artistic project of his entire career—a grand cycle of landscapes with water lilies.