The Rock Needle and the Porte d'Aval 1885

"The Rock Needle and the Porte d'Aval" (1885) by Claude Monet captures the dramatic coastline of Etretat, France. The painting features a tall, slender rock formation, known as the "Needle," standing majestically in the foreground. It is juxtaposed against the iconic "Porte d'Aval" — an archway carved by the sea into the towering cliffs. The sky, rendered with Monet's signature Impressionist brushstrokes, is a blend of blue and pink hues, suggesting the soft light of a summer sunset. Monet's fascination with the changing light and the dynamic nature of the sea is evident in this artwork.