Monet and Rodin

This past weekend, I was lucky to visit the Monet exhibit at the MFA in Boston.

It was an exceptional exhibit. I was particularly drawn to the relationship between two Impressionist virtuosos: Claude Monet and Auguste Rodin.

The two were born two days apart in November 1840. Both were extremely renowned and respected as contemporaries….which could have fractured into an inimical and sour relationship.

Rather: the two looked at each other with fondness. Inspired by each others work, they wrote hundreds of letters to each other: coaching, teasing, challenging, and loving.

After 50+ years of friendship, Rodin wrote to Monet: “I still have the same admiration for the artist who helped me understand light, clouds, the sea, the cathedrals that I already loved so much, but whose beauty awakened at dawn by your interpretation moved me so deeply.”

Is there a peer in your life who frustrates but focuses you? Perhaps it’s time to shine a new light: from competitive to kindred.