The Secret To Monet's Art?

British scientists say they may have discovered the secret behind the art of Impressionist painter Claude Monet: cataracts. Researchers said they used computer software to mimic the effects of cataracts he suffered, producing a picture of his water-lily pond that was blurred with colors mottled, the Daily Mail reported yesterday. Researchers said their results showed how badly Monet's vision could have been before he had corrective surgery. "He couldn't really judge what he was seeing," said Michael Marmor, who led the study at Stanford University in California. "It was getting harder to see and more blurred, but he was probably more bothered by the progressive loss of color vision than the blur alone." Experts at the National Gallery said the research, in part, could offer insight into Monet's style. Chris Riopelle, curator of 19th century paintings, said mystery surrounded Monet's work and how much his eye problems may have had on it. "However, it does not entirely answer the questions," Riopelle said, because Monet's style didn't change radically after surgery. Monet was diagnosed with cataracts in 1912 but did not have surgery until 1923. (For full source and article click the Headline). Irish Art