Cliff with Houses 

Henri Martin painted "Cliff with Houses" using the pointillist technique that he adopted in the 1890’s. Living in France during a time of significant social and political change, Martin’s art captured the mood of the Belle Époque. The painting shows a town nestled on a cliffside, each structure rendered with meticulous dots of color. This technique evokes a sense of harmony and a dreamlike, pastoral existence. However, this seemingly idyllic scene prompts us to consider what isn't immediately visible. Who inhabits these homes? What are their lives like? The visual pleasure we might derive from the artwork may lead to reflections on class and privilege, on who has access to such picturesque settings and lifestyles. Martin's artistic choices invite us to consider both the beauty and the complexities inherent in our perceptions of place and belonging.