Claude Monet, born on November 14, 1840, in Paris, France, was a renowned French impressionist painter. He is best known for his series of paintings capturing the changing effects of light and color, especially in his water lily and haystack series. Monet's work revolutionized the art world, emphasizing the fleeting moments of nature and atmosphere. He spent most of his life in Giverny, France, where he created many of his iconic masterpieces. Monet passed away on December 5, 1926, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of art.