Art Analysis of The Cliff, Étretat, Sunset by Claude Monet

About The Piece

The Cliff, Étretat, Sunset by Claude Monet was painted in 1885 on the coast of Normandy (Scott). Something interesting and worth noting about this painting is that Monet painted this specific scene multiple times (Trancart). Monet would paint the same scenic views at different times of day and for some pieces, he even repainted them during different seasons (Trancart). Monet appreciated the way that the colors of the scenes would change during different times and wanted to capture them in his paintings. 

Art Elements

Color

Monet uses color in this painting in several ways. The colors orange and blue, both vibrant and softer, create a sense of movement and focus. These colors are also complimentary and hold the attention of the viewer due to the contrast and juxtaposition that these colors create together. There are also different values of the two colors used to create the illusion of light, reflection, darkness, and depth. 

Lines

There are two prominent lines in this painting. The horizontal line that shows the horizon creates a calm and grounded feeling for the viewer. This horizontal line also shows that the water that is painted continues from what is seen. The diagonal line that indicates the shoreline adds subtle movement to the painting. 

Texture

Monet creates the texture of the waves, cliffs, and even the clouds with his thoughtful brush strokes. He also layered the colors from dark to light to help add depth and help with the illusion of light in the piece. 

Appreciation

This piece stood out to me when I first saw it because of the contrasting colors. These colors create a calm feeling and a very vibrant sunset that is beautiful to look at. After learning more about this piece as well as some of Monet's other pieces, I fell in love. It is amazing to me that Monet would go back to the same places and repaint them during different times and seasons to recapture the beauty in a different light.  

Citations

Scott, Dan, et al. “How the Impressionists Used Complementary Colors to Great Effect.” Draw Paint Academy, 1 July 2022, https://drawpaintacademy.com/impressionists-used-complementary-colors/   

Trancart, François-Xavier. “11 Things to Know about Claude Monet.” Artsper Magazine, 24 Aug. 2022, https://blog.artsper.com/en/a-closer-look/11-things-know-claude-monet/#:~:text=He%20painted%20the%20same%20subject%20several%20times&text=Luckily%20for%20our%20eyes%2C%20the,object%20was%20born%20through%20light.