Final answer:
The phrase "the seen, the known dissolve" from Robert Hayden's poem about Monet's 'Waterlilies' captures the essence of the water lilies in the paintings as ephemeral and illusory, reflecting Monet's focus on transient light and color.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase from the poem "Monet’s ‘Waterlilies,’" by Robert Hayden that best describes how the water lilies are portrayed in Monet's painting is "the seen, the known dissolve." This line encapsulates the essence of Monet’s depiction of the water lilies, emphasizing the ephemeral, almost illusory quality of the lilies in the light. Monet's art captures the transitory moments of light and color, making the observed object — the water lilies — appear to dissolve into the surrounding elements. His series of water lily paintings, with their use of color, reflection, and texture, are designed to reflect the changing light and atmosphere of his garden in Giverny, creating a sense of tranquility and beauty that transcends the turmoil referred to in the poem's opening lines. The comparison drawn between the serene beauty of the water lilies and the harsh reality of current events serves to elevate art as a timeless refuge.