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Outstanding artwork often tells a story. Sometimes, that story is obvious. Other times, the story is created entirely from personal experience and "in the eye of the beholder."  

Occasionally, a special tale emerges around a mysterious piece, such as Claude Monet's Water Lilies.

The Unsinkable Ship

You already know the tragic tale of the Titanic. The "unsinkable" British luxury liner did indeed sink after striking an iceberg on the night of April 14-15, 1912. Roughly 2,200 passengers were on board, plus the crew. And, depending on the source, 1,000 to 1,500 souls perished that fateful night. The working-class crew and the third-class passengers made up most of the casualties.  

Still, some of the planet's most affluent people were aboard that ship and carried with them their most beloved possessions, including several expensive paintings. 

For over a century, there have been rumors that one of Monet's Water Lilies collection sank with the Titanic. Some say it was featured in the grand dining room; others claim it was carried by a passenger.  

Exploring the Rumor

Maybe you remember a scene in the 1997 film Titanic when the character Rose (Kate Winslet) shares her collection with Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio.) Rose mentions the artist's playful use of light. In one of the film's most famous and sultry scenes, when Jack prepares to draw her as one of his "French girls," we see Water Lilies again in the background.  

Of course, this film was a dramatization. However, it was thoroughly researched, and writer/producer James Cameron thought the rumor was worth sharing. 

We know for certain the exact painting shown in the film was not on board. And while none of Monet's pieces are mentioned in any insurance claims filed after that tragic night, it's not impossible that a piece of the Water Lilies collection was there.  

However, by 1912, Monet was nearly 70 years old. His new style of impressionism was already famous. The wealthiest of the Titanic's passengers would have heard of his work, and it is possible that a piece was on display in the grand dining room. Most of these works are quite large, only suitable for a gallery setting. Unfortunately, after 112 years, we have no survivors left to ask.  

By the way, the same can be said for Rose's collection of Picassos. There is no evidence these specific works were on the ship, and they aren't mentioned on any insurance claims filed after the event. But it's still possible some were on board. 

Famous Works That Sank with Titanic 

The most notable painting to succumb to the icy waters of the Atlantic that night was La Circassienne au Bain by Merry-Joseph Blondel. Its owner, Mauritz Hakan Björnström-Steffansson, was a first-class passenger. He survived the night and demanded compensation from White Star Line that would equal more than $2 million in 2024.  

This was the largest insurance claim made of the White Star Line for a single item.   

Other Treasures Lost to the Atlantic

Many other treasures drifted to the ocean floor, too. An utterly priceless jewel-encrusted book of poetry, the Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam, was lost forever. And among the wreckage, explorers found an incredible necklace featuring a megalodon tooth.  

If you ever have the chance to explore a Titanic artifacts exhibit — there is one at the Luxor in Las Vegas right now — you'll see thousands of personal items owned and used by the people aboard the ship.  

Now, let's get back to the art.  

More on Monet & His Work 

Claude Monet has been called the "father of impressionism." In the early 1900s, his style was very fresh because it included very little detail. His subjects, landscapes and backgrounds are all indistinct. Still, you can look at them and immediately see the images and feelings he wanted portrayed.  

Monet is also known for his playful use of light in his paintings. Spend time with one to notice how your eye travels around the canvas.  

Today, his originals sell for many millions at auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's.

On Water Lilies 

In all the "Water Lilies" paintings, Monet focuses on the surface of the water. He dispenses with any representation of the land or sky, only showing their reflection in the water. These paintings are typical with willows present only as a reflection. The sky, with its white clouds, is reflected in the water, so the blue of the sky and the blue of the water are one. Only the presence of the water lilies helps the observer to understand that this is a reflection. 

Monet planted the water lilies before he painted them. Monet organized his property at Giverny as though it were a huge painting. Thanks to a small army of gardeners, he diverted a river, planted water lilies, exotic flowers, weeping willows, bamboo trees, and willows. He seeded the pond and added enclosures with white chickens, ducks, and pheasants. Nature, recomposed by the artist, began to resemble his art. "My finest masterpiece," he later said, "is my garden."  

The Water Lilies collection includes many massive pieces, many too big for even the most affluent home. Most recently, Water Lilies Nympheas sold for $54 million at Christie's. 

But you don't need to own a vast dining hall or spend millions of dollars to appreciate Monet. Mini Masters Art is proud to offer Water Lilies and other pieces by this renowned master of French Impressionism. 

Keep the Mystery Alive with Mini Masters Art

There is no proof Water Lilies was on the Titanic when it sank. But several survivors, now gone, insisted this was so. But whether you're a history buff, a fan of the Titanic films, or just a casual fan of impressionism, Mini Masters Art can help you enjoy the mystery.   

We invite you to check out Monet's Water Lilies and other works on our website. Use the handy search tool to find all your favorite artists and subjects. Then, choose your frame. We'll send you a miniature version of your favorite piece, perfect for your desktop, office or bedroom display.