Moonrise 1901

Maxime Maufra made this moody coastal scene, ‘Moonrise’, with oil on canvas. I love the way he's layered the paint, building up textures that mimic the ruggedness of the rocks and the gentle movement of the sea. It's like he’s inviting us to touch the landscape. See how the brushstrokes are short and broken, especially in the sky? This reminds me of the impressionists, but Maufra adds his own touch with a slightly darker, more somber palette. There's a sense of quiet drama, as if we’re witnessing a secret moment between the moon and the sea. Look at how the light from the moon hits the rocks, creating these warm, golden highlights against the cool blues and purples of the evening. It's a beautiful dance of light and shadow. Maufra's work makes me think of Whistler, in the way he captures the atmosphere and mood of a place, rather than just a literal depiction. It’s all about feeling, and I think he nailed it.