Claude Monet Comparison between "La Japonaise" and "Morning Light Rendering of the Rouen Cathedral"

Two pieces by Claude Monet at the Museum of Fine Arts which illustrate the artist's range in styles are La Japonaise (1876), and Morning Light rendering of the Rouen Cathedral (1894). The works come at widely different times in the artist's development. There are many obvious differences, and a few subtle similarities.
The first piece is vibrant. The figure is especially real; there is a sense of vitality and fun in the model's twisted form. She is fanning herself playfully with her Japanese fan. One interesting point is that the model is obviously European. She has blonde hair, something out of place with eastern culture. Monet probably did this purposefully, because of Europe's fascination with Japan at the time. It was a reflection of the popular trends of the day. …