Claude Monet Rare Vintage 'Poplars' Original 1978 MET Exhibition Lithograph

To understand the late works of Claude Monet is to understand the very birth of abstraction. This original 1978 lithograph, commissioned by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is more than a poster; it is a preserved artifact from the definitive exhibition Monet’s Years at Giverny: Beyond Impressionism.

The exhibition itself marked a critical shift in art history, focusing on the period when Monet moved past mere observation and into a deeper, more atmospheric exploration of his surroundings. At the heart of this piece is The Four Trees (1891), a masterwork from his iconic Poplars series.

The subject is a rhythmic study of four poplars along the Epte River. Monet’s use of verticality and reflection creates a near-musical cadence, capturing the fleeting, ephemeral light of a French afternoon.

The Print is an authentic lithograph from the 1978 MET run. Unlike modern digital reprints, the depth of colour and ink saturation in this vintage edition reflects the high production standards of the museum’s late-70s publications.

Features the classic, understated serif associated with The Met's golden era of exhibition design, anchoring the ethereal artwork with scholarly authority.

Historical Context

In the spring of 1978, New York’s art world descended upon the MET to witness these sprawling canvases curated together for the first time. This lithograph was the primary visual ambassador for that event. To possess this piece is to own a bridge between Monet's 19th-century vision and the 20th-century’s ultimate tribute to his legacy.

Specifications & Presentation

This piece is an authentic first-edition lithograph produced by the MET for the landmark 1978 exhibition Beyond Impressionism. It is distinguished from modern digital reproductions by its specific 1970s ink saturation and the official museum credit line dating to the April–July 1978 exhibition run.

Professionally mounted in a bespoke slimline black gallery frame with acid-free materials to ensure the long-term preservation of the 1978 inks. The choice of a minimal black profile provides a sharp, contemporary contrast to the soft, atmospheric teals and ochres of the Giverny landscape. It is a presentation designed to let the artwork lead, making it a sophisticated, wall-ready focal point for any curated Australian interior.

Official 1978 Metropolitan Museum of Art Exhibition Ephemera

Item: Monet’s Years at Giverny Exhibition Lithograph

Origin: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (1978)

Subject: The Four Trees (Poplars Series), 1891

Format: Original Museum Exhibition Lithograph

Frame: Custom Slimline Black Metal / Gallery Glass

Dimensions: 78.7 x 61.6 cm (Lithograph)