Gust of Wind at Étretat (Coup de vent à Étretat) c. 1898

Eugène Delâtre created this print of a coastal scene, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. It depicts a tempestuous day at Étretat, on the Normandy coast of France. The image’s drama comes from the contrast between the imposing cliffs and the turbulent sea. We can see two small figures in the foreground who are dwarfed by the scale of the landscape, emphasizing the power of nature. Étretat was a popular spot for artists at this time, drawn to its dramatic natural beauty, and the rise of tourism and leisure activities among the middle classes. To really understand this print, we might look into the history of landscape art in France, the development of seaside resorts, and the changing relationship between people and nature. By exploring these areas we can begin to understand this image in a new light. Art history is about social context.