Monet in Algeria

The painter Claude Monet spent his early twenties as a soldier in French North Africa, yet none of his works or writings from this period survive.

The lower city of Algiers, including the Marine quarter, late 19th century. AlamyClaude Monet, a 20-year-old art student, appeared in the sub-prefect's office in his home town, Le Havre, on March 2nd, 1861 along with 227 eligible young men. They arrived to draw a lottery number for the compulsory army draft; Monet drew a low number, below 74, and was called into service.

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