He was the second son of Claude Adolphe Monet and Louise Justine Aubrée Monet
Monet was born on November 14, 1840
His father wanted Oscar-Claude to follow in his footsteps and become a grocer instead of pursuing art
He started at Le Havre secondary school of the arts and began drawing caricatures for classmates and strangers in exchange for money.
Monet's mother passed when he was just 17 years old and was sent to live with his aunt, who was supportive of his artistic dreams, shortly after.
Learn more about Monet's early years at Beyond Monet!