Etretat, the Needle Rock and Porte d'Aval 1885

"Etretat, the Needle Rock and Porte d'Aval" is a pastel painting by Claude Monet, completed in 1885. It depicts the iconic rock formations of Etretat, France, a favorite subject for Monet and other Impressionist artists. The soft pastel strokes capture the subtle nuances of light and color in the cloudy sky, the calm sea, and the dramatic cliffs. The scene is composed with a strong vertical emphasis, drawing the viewer's eye upwards to the sky. This work showcases Monet's mastery of color and his ability to capture the ephemeral nature of light and atmosphere.